Chapter 17: The Hidden Lineage

The scent of blood still clung to my clothes as I sat alone in my small cabin, the room dimly lit by the flickering flames of the fireplace. Gideon’s warning note was crumpled in my hand, its words seared into my mind.

“Stay away from the Beta, or you’ll be next.”

The threat wasn’t just against Gideon; it was against everything I cared about. It felt like my whole world was beginning to unravel, and I couldn’t stop it.

My thoughts were interrupted by a sharp knock on the door. The sound was so sudden that I jumped, my heart racing as I stood up and moved toward the door.

I was still on edge from the attack, every noise, every shadow, making me question who I could trust.

“Who is it?” I called out, my voice steadier than I felt.

“It’s me, Lysa.” Her voice was tense, strained.

I hesitated for a moment before opening the door. Lysa’s face was pale, her eyes wide with worry.

She stepped inside quickly, glancing around as if she expected someone to be watching.

“What’