Chapter 21 · The Real Sacrifice

Theron dropped Ryan at his feet like a bag of trash.

Ryan's head hit the stone with a crack that made my stomach twist. He didn't move. Blood ran from his temple, dark against the white marble.

"Your choice, Lena." Theron's voice was calm. Too calm. "His life, or the bond. I'll let you pick."

I couldn't breathe. The chapel air pressed down on me, thick with incense and broken glass. Kade stepped forward, but Theron lifted one hand and three wolves materialized from the shadows. Their eyes glowed amber in the dim light.

"Stay," Theron said softly. Not to me. To Kade.

Kade froze. His jaw locked so tight I heard his teeth grind.

"What do you want?" My voice came out steadier than I felt.

Theron smiled. He pulled a knife from his belt. Silver blade, black handle, runes carved down the flat. "Your bond is an abomination. Human blood doesn't belong in wolf lines. But I'm a reasonable man." He crouched next to Ryan, pressed the blade to Ryan's throat. "Break it now. Let me sever the tie. Or I open his neck and make you watch."

Ryan's eyelids fluttered. He was waking up.

"Don't.