Episode 24: The Midnight Message
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In the quiet after midnight, Aelin’s phone buzzed with an unknown number. She answered cautiously. “We see you,” a distorted voice hissed. “You think you’ve won because of a trial? Our pack does not bow to a human.” Before she could respond, the line went dead. She sat on the edge of the bed, heart pounding. Damian stirred. When she told him, his eyes hardened. “Victor’s supporters grow bold,” he said. “He still has allies even after the council demoted him.” They agreed to increase security and inform Marcus. Aelin lay awake long after Damian’s breathing evened out, replaying the voice’s words. Threats no longer made her want to hide; they fanned a different flame—defiance. She rose quietly and walked to the window, staring out at the moonlit grounds. Every shadow seemed to stretch into a warning. But instead of fear, she felt her resolve harden. She scribbled the message into her journal, promising herself that her story would not be dictated by anonymous threats. In the morning, she told Harper over breakfast. Harper's jaw tightened. 'Then we'll make them eat their words,' she said, squeezing Aelin's hand. For the rest of the day, Aelin trained with renewed intensity, channeling the adrenaline of that midnight call into each punch and kick. The pack would not cower; neither would she.
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