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Chapter 17: Shadows of the Awakening

Author: Ava Luu
last update Last Updated: 2024-11-10 00:00:12

I stare at him, a dozen questions spinning through my mind, but none of them make it to my lips. My anger softens, just a little, replaced by a kind of dread I can’t ignore.

“So, that’s it then?” My voice is quieter now, almost hollow. “You married Lilly because it was necessary… to protect the pack?”

He nods, his face etched with a weariness I hadn’t noticed before. “My father insists on it. He doesn’t understand any other way to strengthen our standing. He won’t let the pack be vulnerable to outside threats. Not again.”

The weight of his words settles into me, dragging me down with it. I realize that this isn’t just about Luis or Lilly or me; it’s about something much bigger. An entire world I barely understand, with power plays a

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