Cinder stood at the edge of the darkened forest, her heart heavy with the decision she was about to make. The rogue vampire clan had sent word—they were willing to help, but their terms were steep. Beside her, Jason's jaw tightened as he listened to the message again.
"They want me to submit to them?" Jason's voice was sharp, his frustration barely contained.
"They think it's the only way to ensure our cooperation," Cinder replied quietly. "They don't trust werewolves, especially not you."
Jason looked away, his fists clenched. "This isn't just about trust. They want power over me."
"I know," Cinder admitted, placing a hand on his arm. "But we're running out of time. The shadow wolves grow stronger every day, and if we don't stop them, they'll destroy everything."
Jason's gaze softened as he looked at her. "And you're willing to trust these vampires? After everything they've done to our kind?"
