CHAPTER SEVENTEEN — THE PRICE OF CHOICE
Silence followed my step forward.
Not peace—never peace—but the kind of silence that comes right before something breaks.
The Heart Chamber seemed to hold its breath with me. The silver runes dimmed from blinding brilliance to a low, watchful glow, as if the magic itself was waiting to see whether I would stand… or fall.
Every eye was on me.
The Ashen Court leader tilted his head, studying me with open fascination now, no longer bothering to hide it. "Be careful," he said mildly. "Once you speak, there's no unmaking the choice."
"I'm aware," I replied.
My voice sounded steadier than I felt.
Inside me, my wolf prowled in tight, controlled circles. She wasn't afraid. She was angry—fur bristling, teeth bared, demanding blood for the insult of being cornered like prey.
