Chapter 0014

Sylvia’s POV

"If James were still alive..." she choked out, her voice breaking on his name in a way that made my stomach turn.

The fluorescent lights cast harsh shadows across Astrid's face as her carefully maintained facade began to crack. Tears welled up in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks, each one precisely timed for maximum impact.

My wolf stirred restlessly within me, recognizing the calculated nature of every gesture, every trembling breath.

She continued, "None of this would be happening. He would understand... he would protect me from all this hostility. He always knew how to keep peace in the pack."

The mention of her dead husband sent waves of disgust rolling through me, so strong I could taste bile in my throat. James had been everything she wasn't - loyal, honorable, genuine.

He had died protecting our pack, protecting Raven. And here she was, using his memory like a weapon. My fingers curled into fists at my sides, nails digging into my palms as I fought to maintain