Drake's POV:
The morning dawned crisp and cold, the kind of morning that made every nerve stand on edge. We had everything set in motion. Raphael's execution would happen at noon, and Marcus was bound to make his move before then. The guards were already in place, and Lucas and I were ready to strike the moment Marcus showed his hand.
I stood near the execution grounds, watching as preparations were made. The pack was stirring, word of Raphael's end spreading quickly. Everyone knew this was a significant moment, not just for me, but for the entire pack. Raphael's death would symbolize the end of an era—a turning point that would bring peace after so much bloodshed.
Lucas approached me, his expression grim. "Marcus is with Raphael now. The guards say he's been in there for about fifteen minutes."
"Good," I said. "Let's give them a bit longer. I want to make sure we have everything we need."
