CHAPTER 93 Exile

  Autumn

  The Darkwater Pack had faced its downfall, but now the tables have turned. The fear and mistrust that once surrounded me have dissipated, replaced by a newfound respect and acceptance. The pack members have come to appreciate my patience and strength, and they now look to me as a leader rather than an outcast.

  Despite this change, I can never forget those who stood by me before my true identity was revealed. At the top of that list is Ethan.

  We sit together in our private chamber, sipping tea. The room is dimly lit, the warm glow of candles casting flickering shadows on the walls. Ethan looks at me with a mixture of love and admiration, his gaze unwavering.

  "My perception of you never changed," he says softly, moving closer. He leans in, his lips meeting mine in a tender kiss.

  I smile against his lips, teasing, "Well, do I need to pay for that?" My legs are draped over his, a familiar intimacy that feels like home.