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The chamber was silent except for the hum of restrained power in the air, coiling like an unseen predator waiting to strike. The Council members sat in eerie stillness, their masked faces unreadable, watching Samantha's next move.

The command still hung between them, a cruel ultimatum that threatened to shatter everything.

"Execute one of your mates," the High Judge repeated, his cold voice slicing through the stillness like a dagger. "Prove your allegiance to us."

The words felt like poison in her veins, but Samantha knew there was no hesitation allowed. Any moment of doubt would make them question her sincerity.

Her eyes swept over her mates— Marcus, Kai, and Callum—and her heart clenched painfully.

Marcus was breathing steadily, his body held rigid, his storm-gray eyes locked onto hers. He understood. But the pain in his gaze was unmistakable.