KARIN
The truth landed hard. It wasn’t gradual. It struck all at once, sharp and heavy, like a blow to the chest that stole her breath. She had been so focused on removing me from the problem, so determined to erase me, that she never stopped to think about what would come after. She never imagined the cost of success.
“But you know what?” I said, after a pause. My voice surprised me. It sounded steady again, closer to who I really was. “I’m not going to let him do that. Because that isn’t who we are anymore.”
“We?” she asked. The word came out thin, uncertain.
“Rowan and I. The pack.” I took a breath and stood up. My legs felt strong under me. “We’re done being ruled by fear. Done letting violence decide everything. Done chasing revenge just because it’s easier.” I looked down at her
