Chapter 94: The Bloodline Truth
"Stop!" Elara’s sound was like a blade cutting through the air. Ronald’s flames stopped spreading and hung just above the main house.
When he looked at her, his eyes were like they were on fire for no reason. He looked confused. He cocked his head and asked, "You want me to let them live?"
"Even though they’re too weak to protect you?" "They’re our pack," Elara said over and over. "Our family." When Ronan said, "Family doesn’t matter," his voice was tense.
"Only you matter." Beside him, Darian’s truth-sight blazed as he scanned the area. "I can see seventeen threats to your safety," he said quietly. "Should I eliminate them now or wait?" It broke Elara’s heart.
These weren’t her mates anymore. They were weapons shaped like the guys she loved. "Magnificent, isn’t it?" the old Alpha purred. "Pure loyalty. Absolute safety. This is what real love looks like."
"This isn’t love," Elara spat. "This is slavery." "Is it?" The old Alpha’s eyes gleamed. "Then break free." Elara reached for her silver light, but the old magic pressed down on her like a mountain.
Every time she tried to use her Bridge Walker skills, they fizzled out. "The holy grounds are my domain," the ancient Alpha stated. "Here, I control everything. Including you." Kael stepped forward, ice forming around his hands.
"Let her go." "Oh, the loyal son speaks," the old Alpha mocked. "Tell me, boy, how does it feel knowing you delivered her to me?" "I didn’t know—" "Didn’t you?" Ronan’s flames flickered toward his brother. "Darian, show him the truth."
Darian’s gaze fixed on Kael, and his words turned cold. "You knew bringing her to the holy grounds was dangerous. You felt the old magic stirring. But you did it anyway."