Chapter 0297

A cold shudder runs through me.

The last time I was surrounded by this many Lycans, I was hunting Seraphina.

My instincts are screaming.

Hunting is in my blood.

Not slaughtering this breed is harder than I expected.

Especially when they’re so available.

Tension thickens as the Lycans notice my return.

But so far, none show hostility.

Their souls are clear.

It’s almost irritating.

Even Seraphina’s family radiates purity.

“Should I go to her?” Alexander asks as I approach.

“Zachary is with her.”

His eyebrows lift. “You used his actual name.”

He scans the crowd. “Are we clear here?”

“Annoyingly, yes.”

“Good.” He turns toward the people.

I see his hesitation before he delivers Athena’s message.

“Athena has stated that if you do not wish to help, you are free to leave. No judgment. Those who stay, follow me to your temporary quarters.”

The past few days, the Wolves cleared trees and built log cabins beside the pack.

I told them it was a stupid idea.

But the order came from Athena.

I didn’t argue.

Whispers travel among the adults.

Caleb steps forward. “We are in agreement.” He glances at his mate, Zoe, who nods. “Seraphina must be stopped.”

Blondie and surfer boy lead them toward the cabins.

Alexander stays with me. “I feel what I feel for Athena. But I need the truth. How bad is it?”

“Catastrophically bad.” I keep my voice steady.

His face tightens.

I explain what I saw.

The darkness seeping through old trauma cracks.

“I thought she had more control over her Lycan. But the unconnected cracks are holding it back.”

“Zachary and Brianna…”

“They don’t have cracks like Athena. Small ones from their human past, yes. But nothing like hers. Nyx is exploiting those fractures. At first, I thought she was trying to overtake Athena. Now I believe she’s trying to fill them. Make them whole. Claim them.”

“Embed the darkness inside her.”

“Exactly. But Athena made a request. One I can’t answer.”

“What?”

“She asked if her Lycan could be bound.”

His crimson eyes widen. Then narrow to slits. “That would kill her.”

“It still might. She’s endured enough.”

“I know Lycans. I’ve hunted them most of my life. I can see and read souls. But I can’t see those who aren’t present. What I can do is dig.”

“You should speak to Theodore. He’s skilled at uncovering information.”

“Perfect. I’ll find him.”

“And don’t call him surfer boy. Unless you want that punch you’ve been waiting for.”