Chapter 21

Liam sat in the dim light of his cell, his golden eyes staring blankly at the wall. His hands rested on his knees, his claws absentmindedly scraping against the stone. His breathing was slow, but each inhale carried the weight of devastation.

The news of his pack's annihilation had hit him like a blade to the heart. The image of Faye and Ronan—his family—replayed in his mind, intertwined with thoughts of the unborn child he'd never meet.

He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. Rage bubbled beneath the surface, threatening to consume him.

The sound of footsteps pulled him from his thoughts. He didn't move as the door creaked open, his senses telling him who it was before he saw her.

"Elena," he said flatly.

Elena stepped inside, her crimson eyes softened with sympathy. She hesitated, her hands clasped in front of her.

"I'm sorry, Liam," she said softly.

Liam let out a bitter laugh, his voice low. "Sorry doesn't bring them back."

Elena flinched but held her ground. "You're right. It doesn't. But sitting here, letting grief and anger eat you alive, won't either."

Liam's golden gaze shifted to her, sharp and piercing. "And what do you suggest I do? Forget about them? Move on?"

"No," Elena replied firmly. "You honor them. You fight for them. And you make sure that no one else has to suffer the way they did."

He scoffed, turning away. "You sound like Dexter."

Elena's jaw tightened. "Dexter might be an ass, but he's not wrong about one thing. You have power, Liam. Enough to change what's coming. But only if you stop drowning in your anger long enough to use it."

Liam stood abruptly, towering over her. His eyes burned with fury. "Don't pretend you understand what I'm feeling, hunter."

Elena didn't back down. "You're right. I don't. But I do know what it's like to lose everything. And I know what it's like to want to rip the world apart because of it."

Her voice softened, her gaze steady. "But that's not who you are, Liam. You're an Alpha. A leader. And whether you like it or not, people need you."

Liam's fists unclenched, his shoulders sagging slightly. He turned away, running a hand through his hair. "And if I don't want to lead? What then?"

"Then you let their deaths mean nothing," Elena said quietly.

The silence that followed was heavy, broken only by the distant echoes of the lair.

Finally, Liam spoke, his voice low. "What do you need from me?"

Elena stepped closer, her gaze unwavering. "Help us. Train. Fight. Be the Alpha they believed in. Because this war isn't just about you or me. It's about everyone. And we can't win it without you."

Liam sighed, his anger ebbing away, replaced by a quiet determination. "Fine. But don't expect me to forgive Dexter for this."

Elena nodded. "Fair enough."

***

Korrin stumbled into a clearing, his wounds still fresh but his resolve unshaken. The scent of blood and smoke lingered in the air, a cruel reminder of the pack he'd lost.

A rustle in the underbrush made him freeze. His amber eyes scanned the shadows, his body tense.

"Relax, wolf," a deep voice drawled.

Korrin turned to see a man step into the clearing, his broad frame draped in dark clothing. His ashen hair and piercing blue eyes marked him as a wolf, but his demeanor carried an air of command.

"Alaric," Korrin growled.

Alaric smirked. "Still alive, I see. Impressive, considering what I've heard."

Korrin's hackles rose. "What do you want?"

Alaric's smile widened, his tone mocking. "Straight to the point. I like that."

He stepped closer, his gaze calculating. "You've lost everything, haven't you? Your pack, your Alpha... even the child that could've continued your line."

Korrin's fists clenched, his teeth bared. "Say what you came to say, Alaric, before I rip your throat out."

Alaric chuckled, unfazed by the threat. "Easy there. I'm here to offer you something."

"Not interested," Korrin snapped, turning away.

"You will be," Alaric said smoothly. "Because I'm offering you a place in my pack."

Korrin stopped, his breath hitching.

Alaric continued, his voice low and persuasive. "You're strong, Korrin. Stronger than most. And with my pack, you'll have the power to do what your Alpha couldn't—take down the ones responsible for your loss."

Korrin turned slowly, his amber eyes blazing. "What's the catch?"

Alaric's smirk grew predatory. "Help me find Liam. Together, we can reshape this war to suit our ends."

The offer hung in the air like a poisoned blade, its implications clear.

Korrin's jaw tightened, his thoughts racing.