Chapter 192

Well, here we are. End of Volume 1.

I know, I know—ending on Ava collapsing is cruel. But if you've made it this far through all the betrayal, werewolf politics, and Damon's spectacular ability to make the worst possible decisions, you probably expected I wouldn't wrap things up with a neat little bow.

When I started writing this story, I thought I was telling a simple revenge tale. Evelyn comes back, gets her daughter, makes everyone pay. Done. But these characters had other ideas. Damon turned out to be more than just a villain—he's a man who buried the truth so deep he started believing his own lies. Hilda emerged from what should have been a background role to become... well, whatever she is. (Those arctic eyes? Yeah, that wasn't in my original outline either.)

And Catherine. God, Catherine. Sometimes a character shows up and you realize they've been playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers. The dementia act? I'm still not over how she played everyone, including me while I was writing it.

This volume was about unraveling lies. Evelyn's return forced everyone to confront the stories they'd been telling themselves. Susan's illness, Margaret's schemes, Robin's feelings he won't admit, Ava learning truths no five-year-old should have to process—it all came crashing down in these 116 chapters.

But we're far from done.

Volume 2 is going to dig into questions this volume raised but didn't answer. What exactly is Hilda? What's Catherine's endgame with that mysterious arctic-eyed figure? Can a mate bond truly be broken, or is Damon just telling himself another lie? And Ava—our poor, brave little Ava—what's happening to her?

Some of you have been messaging me about the supernatural elements creeping in. The hunters, the mysterious illness, that figure with Catherine. Trust me, there's a method to this madness. Everything connects, just not in ways you might expect.

Thank you for sticking with this story through Evelyn's pain, Damon's denial, and Susan's downward spiral. Thank you for not rage-quitting when Damon ignored those photos being obviously fake for FIVE YEARS. (I know, I wanted to shake him too.)

Special shoutout to those of you who figured out Catherine was faking before the reveal. You scary observant people make writing mysteries both terrifying and thrilling.

Volume 2 is already in progress. I promise answers are coming. Some of them might hurt worse than the questions, but hey, you signed up for this when you decided to read a story that opened with a woman giving birth alone while her mate was off cheating.

Take a breather. Process Ava's collapse. Maybe reread some chapters now that you know who's been lying about what.

See you in Volume 2. Bring tissues. You're going to need them.

—Jenne Lopes

P.S. - No, I won't tell you if Damon gets his eye back. Stop asking. Some things need to stay permanent.

P.P.S. - Yes, the white-haired figure is important. That's all you're getting for now.