Chapter 24: Aftermath
Ava's eyes fluttered open, wincing as pain lanced through her body. Kael's gentle touch soothed her.
"You're safe now," he whispered.
Ava's thoughts swirled, recalling Elian's kindness, Sabine's mysterious actions, and Cassius' cruelty.
Sabine's POV
I stood before Marcellus, the Bloodstone clan's elder.
"You deceived Cassius," he growled.
"I ensured Ava's survival," I corrected. "Cassius' ambitions would've destroyed us all."
Marcellus' gaze narrowed.
"Explain."
"I infiltrated Cassius' inner circle, gathering intel," I began. "Ava's power is key. Cassius planned to exploit her, risking war with the werewolves. I facilitated her escape, protecting our clan's interests."
Marcellus' expression turned calculating.
"You expect reward?"
"I expect recognition," I replied. "My loyalty remains with the strongest."
Cassius' POV
Cassius seethed, pacing his chambers. Ava's escape was a humiliation. Sabine's betrayal stung.
"How could she?" he muttered.
Victor, his loyal lieutenant, stood silent.
"Find Sabine," Cassius ordered, voice dripping venom. "Make her pay."
Victor bowed.
"And Ava?"
Cassius' eyes blazed.
"Bring me her head. I want Kael to suffer."
Victor hesitated.
"Sir, perhaps—"
Cassius' glare cut him off.
"No mercy. No quarter."
Victor nodded, disappearing into the night.
Cassius' fury simmered, plotting his next move.
The Bloodstone clan would soon learn the true meaning of power.