The air in the clearing felt electric, charged with the tension that had been brewing for far too long. Elijah’s cold eyes locked onto mine, and for the first time, I could see him for what he truly was.
Not just a leader or a hybrid. He was a predator—a cunning, ruthless manipulator who had been playing everyone, including me, since the moment he returned.
And now, the truth was out.
The pack stood on the brink of collapse, their loyalties splintered. Damian’s hold on them was fragile, Elijah’s promises of power too tempting to ignore, and yet, I could feel their fear. They feared Elijah—feared what he would turn them into if they followed him.
But more than that, I knew Elijah wasn’t just after the pack. He wanted me. My power.
“You’ve spent too long hiding behind them,” Elijah said
