"This can't wait, Ethan," Avery said, her voice urgent as she spread the ancient parchment across the table. "What I've found changes everything."
Ethan leaned over the table, his sharp gaze fixed on her. "What do you mean? What did you find?"
"The ritual Liam is planning," Avery began, tapping the faded symbols on the parchment, "it's not just about power. It's about binding the packs. Forcing loyalty through blood magic. If he succeeds, every rogue who follows him will be tied to him forever. And that's just the beginning."
Ethan frowned. "Tied how?"
Avery exhaled slowly, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "It's like a bond—stronger than anything we've ever seen. If Liam pulls this off, his followers won't just obey him. They'll be incapable of defying him. He'll control them completely."
Ethan straightened, his jaw tightening. "That can't happen. We have to stop him before he gets the chance."
