Chapter 88

Victoria The weight of the Council meeting had lifted, if only temporarily, but I could still feel the echo of Elder Maxwell's warning resonating in my bones. "Should your control falter, our scrutiny will double." The words haunted me, even as I tried to push them away. My newfound abilities—my fae heritage—remained a tightrope I was forced to walk, with the entire wolf community watching, waiting for me to fall. "Earth to Victoria!" Emma's voice broke through my thoughts, her fingers snapping inches from my face. "Are you still with us, or has your mind gone wandering off to your mate again?" I blinked, focusing on her playful smile. After everything that had happened, Emma's unwavering friendship felt like the only constant in my chaotic life. "Sorry," I murmured, smoothing my hands over my jeans. "Just... Council thoughts." “Which is exactly why we’re doing this,” Lilith cut in, her tone unexpectedly gentle.“Enzo’s still out cold, but the doctor says he’s improving by the hour. So,