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Sophie I stood by the window, staring up at the sky. The moon was already rising. “The Blood Moon,” I muttered under my breath. It hadn’t turned red yet—but it soon would and when it did… Everything Darren and that demon planned would start. “You should get some rest.” Reece’s voice came from behind me. I didn’t turn. “I don’t think sleep is an option tonight.” “Probably not,” he admitted. I glanced over my shoulder at him. He looked like a focused and prepared Alpha. “We’ve positioned guards around the perimeter,” he continued. “Everyone knows something’s coming.” “They don’t know what,” I said. “No,” he agreed. “And we’re not telling them yet.” I nodded slowly. “Panic won’t help.” “Exactly.” We both went quiet. They was too many things unsaid. “You can still stay out of this,” he said after a moment. I turned fully this time. “No.” “Sophie—” “No,” I repeated. “I started this. I’m finishing it.” His jaw tightened slightly. “This isn’t your fight alone.” “I know.”

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Sophie The place where the demon had been was empty now. The shadows were gone. The air felt lighter. But it wasn’t over because Darren was still standing and looking at me like he wanted to tear me apart. “You think you’ve won?” he said, his voice low and sharp. My chest was still rising and falling too fast, my body shaking from everything that just happened. But I forced myself to stand straight. “To be honest?” I said. “Yeah. I do.” His jaw tightened. “You’re nothing without that thing,” I added. “And now it’s gone.” Something dangerous flickered in his eyes. “You’re wrong.” He moved. Fast. I barely had time to react before he was in front of me, his hand shooting out but this time I was ready. I stepped back just enough to avoid his grip and drove my elbow straight into his side. He grunted, stumbling slightly. “You’ve gotten better,” he said, circling me slowly. “I had a good teacher,” I replied. His lips twitched. “Was it me?” “No,” I said flatly. “Pain was.” That

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