Ethan nodded, then turned to Caleb. "Lock him up. But don't hurt him. He might know more than he realizes."
Caleb nodded, signaling the warriors to take the boy away.
As the crowd dispersed, Avery leaned closer to Ethan. "If Liam's spies are this embedded, we're running out of time."
Ethan's gaze hardened. "Then we'll flush them out. One way or another."
---
Later that night, Ethan sat alone in his office, staring at the ancient parchment Avery had left with him. The weight of leadership bore down on him heavier than ever.
A soft knock broke his thoughts. Avery stepped inside, closing the door behind her.
"You're still up," she said quietly.
"Couldn't sleep," Ethan admitted, gesturing to the parchment. "This… everything… it's too much."
Avery sat across from him, her expression serious. "You don't have to do this alone, Ethan. You have me. You have the pack."
