C2

I’m coming back to the fold, Raze. Hold the line. I’ll be at the den in ten minutes."

I didn't blink as I stared down Tristan. The heavy scent of his betrayal still hung in the air, but the weight that had crushed my chest for three years was suddenly gone. Since I no longer had to play the role of the submissive mate or the loyal soldier to a man who despised my bloodline, I was done. My focus was back where it belonged—on the underworld throne I had nearly abandoned for a lie. I swore to the Moon right then that no wolf would ever get close enough to see my weakness again.

"What are you staring at, Tristan? You got what you wanted. The bond is severed."

"You think you can just walk out? After signing that paper so easily? What’s the game, Xender? Are you planning to crawl back to your father and start a turf war over this?"

"Do you really think you’re worth a war? You’ve spent three years treating me like a ghost in your own house. Now that we’re done, you’re less than a stray to me. I was the one holding your borders together, Tristan. Let’s see how long the Blackmoor Pack lasts without my blade."

"Don't act like you don't care. You loved me. You're trying to manipulate me with this sudden coldness. It won't work. Get out of my territory before I have my enforcers throw you out."

"Your enforcers? Half of them still answer to me. But don't worry, I wouldn't stay in this rotting den for another second. Enjoy your prize, Alpha. She’s exactly what you deserve."

I turned my back on him, my coat snapping around my heels as I strode out of the master suite. I kept my chin level and my pulse steady. I felt more like a predator in that moment than I had in years.

"Neil... Tristan, look! He’s gone, and he didn't even look back. But forget him, I have incredible news. The Ghost has agreed to the contract. Raze Hollow just confirmed it via encrypted link."

"Are you serious, Seraphina? Raze actually responded?"

"Yes! The Blackmoor Syndicate’s weapon shipments were going to be seized by the Council if we didn't get those new tactical blueprints finished. We were facing a total collapse of the northern route. Billions in silver credits were on the line."

"We only have five days before the Council audit. Is the Ghost really the only one who can forge those sigils?"

"The only one. I spent the last forty-eight hours in the shadows, negotiating with Raze. I didn't sleep. I did whatever it took to get the Ghost to look at our file. You can head to Silverfang Hall for the negotiation tonight. My persistence finally saved the pack."

"Seraphina... I know how impossible Raze Hollow is to deal with. The Ghost hasn't taken a contract for three years. How did you do it?"

"I told you, Tristan. I’d do anything for our future. I won’t let Xender’s family ruin you."

"Lise... Seraphina, wait. Why are you limping? Let me see your leg."

"It’s nothing, really. Just a bit of strain from the journey."

"Don't lie to your Alpha. Show me."

"I had to wait outside the Moonshade Atelier for twelve hours on the cold stone. I had to show them I was serious, Tristan. I knelt before the gate guards just to get the message through. My knees are a mess, but it was worth it for you."

"You knelt for me? While Xender was busy being arrogant, you were out there bleeding for this pack. I won't forget this, Seraphina. I promise, once the transition is final, you will be the only Luna this territory recognizes."

"I don't need a title, Tristan. I just need you."

"You have me. And tonight, I’ll secure the Ghost's services and fix the mess the Stormrivens left behind."

"Welcome home, Ghost. Or should I call you Xender again?"

"Stick with Ghost, Nyx. I’ve missed the smell of gunpowder and silver-ink. Three years is a long time to be away from the forge."

"My God, look at you! You look like you’ve stepped out of a war zone, but you’ve finally got that fire back in your eyes. I’ve missed my best architect. Ready to get to work?"

"I’m ready. My life as a housewife ended an hour ago. Give me the brief, Nyx. Who is desperate enough to pay a hundred million for a five-day turnaround?"

"It’s a funny thing, Xender. The request came through Seraphina Duskryn. She’s acting as the proxy for the Blackmoor Syndicate. Here are the project specs for Tristan Blackmoor’s new weapon line."

"You have got to be kidding me."

"Is it a problem? We can burn the contract right now."

"No. Don't burn it. This is perfect. He just kicked me out of his house, and now he’s coming to my feet to beg for the very survival of his empire. What a small, pathetic world we live in."