Chapter 51
**Ronan's POV**
The Nightbane castle sat on a cliff overlooking the sea, its dark stones worn smooth by centuries of wind and rain. I'd grown up in these halls, but coming home today felt different. Wrong. Like I was walking into a trap instead of sanctuary.
My hands shook as I parked my motorcycle in the courtyard. The engine's roar died away, leaving only the sound of waves crashing against the rocks below. Even that familiar noise couldn't calm the storm raging inside my chest.
I'd defended her. I'd stood up in front of the entire council and protected Evangeline from Celeste's lies. The memory made my wolf pace restlessly, pleased with what we'd done. But the human part of me knew there would be consequences.
There always were.
The castle's heavy doors opened before I
