Ally's POV
The scent of pine and wet earth fills my nostrils as I stand in the clearing, the weight of Elliot's gaze upon me. The moon above us is a sliver shy of being full, casting a silver glow on the forest around us. Dawn stirs within, her energy mingling with mine- a silent reminder that this was always the path we'd tread.
"Ally," Elliot begins, his deep voice laced with the gravity of what we are about to do. His wolf, Shadow, is a silent sentinel, just beneath his calm exterior. "Are you certain? Once we start down this road..."
I meet his eyes, steely determination hardening my resolve. "It's the only way, Elliot. Nathan has to be stopped, and after tonight, he will be."
Elliot steps closer, his presence both a comfort and a warning of the potential chaos to come. "Your plan- it's dangerous. If any part of it fails..."
"Then we adapt." My voice doesn't waver; it can't afford to. "I've been under his thumb for too long. Tonight, that changes."