Lyra's heart hammered in her chest as Marcus's words echoed in her mind. The grip of his hand around her wrist felt like a shackle, his promises and threats closing in around her, making her feel trapped. But something deep inside her, something raw and powerful, surged to the surface—something she hadn't felt before.
Kael lay before her, bloodied and broken, his pack barely holding on, fighting for their lives. And in that moment, Lyra knew she couldn't walk away. Not from him. Not from everything they'd been through.
A spark ignited within her.
"No," she whispered, more to herself than to Marcus. "I won't let this happen."
Marcus's grip tightened, his voice a low growl. "You have no choice, Lyra. There's nothing you can do."
