Victor's eyes darted around the circle of wolves. His allies? Gone. His authority? Shattered.
He growled low, ready to strike — but Daemon stepped forward, his aura flaring so powerfully that even the trees seemed to bend away.
"You betrayed the oath," Daemon said. "You betrayed me."
"You were weak," Victor spat. "Blinded by a cursed girl."
"She's not cursed," Sage said, stepping forward. "You cursed her."
Everyone turned to the old healer.
"What do you mean?" Daemon asked.
Sage held up a folded piece of parchment — old, burned around the edges.
"This was hidden in Victor's home. A blood-sealed charm — it carries an ancient curse. This symbol," she pointed, "was bound to Sienna's bloodline. It made her wolf dormant. Made her scent dangerous to mates."
She looked at Victor. "You used black magic. Why?"
Victor's face twisted, lips curling with hate.
"Because she was born to destroy you."
Sienna's eyes widened. "What?"
"Her mother's bloodline," Victor sneered, "was part of the Eclipse Clan. Their wolves are tied to prophecy — and prophecy said your mate would end you, Daemon. I just made sure it felt true."
A collective gasp rang out.
"You twisted fate," Sage said. "You didn't believe the prophecy — you forced it."
Victor laughed bitterly. "And still, I failed. She found her wolf. You fell for her."
Daemon's eyes gleamed gold. "I didn't fall for her because of fate. I fell for her because she stood when no one else did."
He turned to the pack.
"She risked her life for us. Even when we gave her nothing in return. And today, she saved it again."
He stepped toward Sienna.
"I see you now. And I'm sorry it took me so long."
Sienna blinked hard, fighting emotion. "I don't need an apology."
"I know," he said. "But I needed to say it anyway."
Victor was sentenced to exile, stripped of rank and cast from the pack.
As he was dragged away, he screamed over his shoulder, "You think the curse ends with me? There are others. She is not safe!"
But no one listened anymore.
That night, Daemon stood outside Sienna's room, hesitant.
He knocked.
"Come in," her voice called softly.
She stood by the window, looking at the moon.
"You never asked me to stay," she said.
"I never had the right," he replied.
She turned.
"But if you ask now," she said, "I might consider it."