92

“That’s the old me,” she spat bitterly. “The one who hadn’t been ruined—”

Dread held me fast with its icy claws. Suddenly, the question that had always lingered at the back of my mind when I thought of Octavia rushed to the forefront. I had to ask, to confirm the terrible fear I’d been too terrified to think about. “Tavi, what did those wolves do to you?”

She closed her eyes briefly, and a bone-deep shudder traveled through her body and into mine. When she opened them again, I had my answer.

I pulled her against me again, hugging her even more fiercely. My wolf was growling, her rage just as complete as mine. “I’m sorry, Octavia.” My voice was a rasping whisper. “I should have had them locked up with Troy. Or killed.”

“I know you would’ve. If I’d asked that from you, or if I’d told you the truth sooner, maybe they would still be in prison. Maybe they wouldn’t have been able to break Troy out.”

“No.” I gave a vehement shake of my head. “That is not your fault. There’s no time limit on