Avery swallowed hard, trying to keep her composure. "I wasn't spying. I just… I just needed to think. You were talking about... about the bond. About what you want to do."
Elder Rayne stepped closer, his presence overpowering. "You don't understand the full picture, Avery. The bond with Ethan puts the entire pack at risk. We cannot allow it to continue."
"Why?" Avery challenged, her voice growing stronger despite the fear creeping up her spine. "Why does it bother you so much?"
Rayne's lips twitched into a cold smile. "Because we know what you don't. It's not just about the bond. It's about power. And we cannot allow Ethan to have it."
Avery recoiled, her mind racing. The pieces were starting to fall into place, but the truth was more dangerous than she had imagined.
---
