جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 170

THE COUNCIL'S ARRIVAL The council arrived earlier than expected the next morning, but I wasn’t caught off guard. I had already anticipated it. That was why Zack and Damon had spent the previous night making preparations, tightening security, and ensuring nothing was left to chance.Still, seeing them march in as if they owned my territory stirred irritation in my chest.Councilor James led the group, his posture stiff with false authority. As usual, his daughter Annie was glued to his side, her sharp eyes scanning everything like she was already judging it. I knew James’s agenda ,I’d always known, but I wasn’t about to make this easy for him.“Welcome,” I said calmly, offering each of them a brief, controlled handshake as they paid their respects.The gestures were empty. Every bow, every smile, and every polite word was nothing more than pretense. They smiled to my face while scheming behind my back—about my leadership, my pack, and most of all, my mate.When we reached the council

SACRIFICE Processing the files didn’t take long. Once Josephine completed her final checkup, Doctor Vincent nodded in approval and confirmed she was free to go.“She’ll need rest,” he said calmly, closing the file. “But she’s strong. Being home will help her heal faster.”Josephine’s mother let out a shaky breath, her hands flying to her mouth. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Thank you so much.”When Josephine saw her properly, she really saw her the dam broke all the fears she felt washed away at the sight of her.“Mama,” she cried, her small arms wrapping around her.I felt Maya stiffen beside me, and then she gasped softly. Tears welled in her eyes as she turned away, trying to hide them. I let out a nervous chuckle, leaning closer.Easy,” I murmured. “It might just be the pregnancy hormones working overtime.”She shot me a look through her tears. “Don’t you dare blame this on hormones,” she said, though her voice shook.Josephine’s mother pulled away just enough to look at us, her e

THE ARTIFACTS.I was about to lose my patience with this idiot, but I reminded myself that anger would ruin everything. I had to be calm. Calculated. Smart about this.Then he finally said something reasonable.That was the moment I knew I had finally succeeded.not completely, but enough more than what I thought I needed.I stayed a few more days in his mansion after that. Days turned into long nights where we dined together, talked, and carefully discussed the details of the plan. Every conversation felt like a chess move, every word chosen with caution. He listened more now, questioned less, and I could feel his interest deepening, even if his suspicion never fully faded.Eventually, he agreed.My minions will move,” he said one night, swirling the dark liquid in his glass. “A few days after you leave.”I smiled, satisfied—but not done.I asked him for his venom then, knowing very well it was the most important part of what I needed.He looked at me, his expression unreadable. “Not

FINDING HERLiam finally agreed to my request. In two days, I would begin the search for my mum.Even though he said yes, I could tell something was off. He had been quiet afterward, thoughtful in a way that made my chest feel tight. Like there were things he wanted to say but couldn’t. Or wouldn’t.“I don’t like this,” he told me later that evening, his arms crossed as he leaned against the table. “But I won’t stop you.”“You never could,” I said softly, trying to smile.His jaw tightened. “That doesn’t mean I won’t protect you.”That was how he insisted Michael come with us,along with the three witches Alpha Tate had allowed to accompany me. He wouldn’t budge on that, no matter how much I argued.“Humor me, Maya,” Liam said firmly. “Just this once.”Alpha Daniel had also sent word. He was assigning a few of his best warriors to join us along the way, just in case. It made everything feel more real… and more dangerous.Later that day, Mia came to visit. I am so glad she did.The mom

PLANNING We left the next morning just like we planned. Everything was ready — supplies packed, weapons secured, potions stored carefully. I had called Roseline the night before to inform her we were coming and why we needed to stay for two days. She didn’t hesitate. She never does. Before stepping into the car, I wrapped my arms around Liam. He held me tighter than usual. “I’ll be fine,” I whispered against his chest. He pulled back slightly, his hands still resting firmly on my shoulders. “That’s what you always say.” And I’m always right.” His jaw tightened. “Maya… this isn’t just another trip.” I softened, reaching up to cup his face. “I know. But worrying won’t stop me from going. And it won’t stop what’s coming either.” Behind the strength in his eyes, I saw fear. Before we left, Liam had told me everything about Michael… and about Selene. About how Selene and my mother had been connected all along. I knew he thought it would change something between us. That I wou