I thrust my finger in accusation at the gathered wolves. “When I was a child, my parents bound my wolf to protect me from the likes of you. I had to grow up without half my soul and my pack because of you and your hatred for my family. Now, I’ve had to bind my wolf again to protect all of you from the Dark God. Tell me how that’s fucking fair.”
No one answered, and tears of rage clung to the corners of my eyes. “I’m empty, and I miss her more than my own breath. But I would do it again because if not, the Dark God would be right here, right fucking now. And he would tear this world to pieces.”
Stunned silence fell over the circle. As my words sank in, I knew I had left something unsaid.
“Sam spoke to you from beyond the ring,” I continued. “In the Dreamlands, the Dark God took control of my wolf and turned me against her. I nearly killed her. That’s why I bound my wolf. To keep him out forever, even if it meant giving up the best part of myself.”
Several of the wolves sucked in sharp breaths at my confession, but I raised my hand to hold their tongues. “This is what you need to hear: the Dark God made me turn on my best friend with his power. That is why he sent the dream, to manipulate and divide us. To sow fear and turn us against each other. Don’t let him distract you from the truth. He’s back, and it means the end of the world as we know it if we don’t stop him.”
I gave Jaxson’s father a pointed look, but he turned away.
For a while, no one spoke. No attestations for me, but also no insults hurled against me, either. All of them seemed to be considering my words, speaking now with their wolves in the silent speech of our people.
Finally, the gray-haired alpha stood. “I agree, this dream was sent to divide. And your packmate, whom you wounded, has spoken passionately on your behalf. That bears great weight among our people. Despite her antics, I could smell the truth of her words.”
The tightness in my chest began to release, but Camila hadn’t yet finished speaking. “These remain shocking revelations, more than any we’ve ever faced. The council must deliberate on how to rule. I ask you both to leave while we reach our decision.”
My stomach dropped, but I felt Jaxson’s signature surge, and when he spoke, it was in a feral voice—a single word that sent a shudder of terror down my spine.
“No.”