Elara’s POV
A new, cold clarity settled over me. The tears were no more and was replaced by a quiet rage. Marek hadn't just threatened my life; he had desecrated my parents' memory. He had turned my own pain and grief into a weapon. And Lucian... his betrayal was a deeper, different wound, but it was a personal one. Marek's was a public execution awaiting to be executed.
"Tell me your plan," I said, my voice surprisingly steadier and stronger than I expected.
Lucian studied me quietly, a flicker of pride replacing the pain and guilt in his eyes. "We don't lead him to the pack. We lead him rather to a place of our choice. Somewhere public enough that he won't be able to use his normal…. brutal methods."
"He'll still be armed. He'll have others along with him."
"He will expect me to be
