Chapter 25 · Blood in the Seal

The blade's at Garrick's throat and Mira's at my shoulder, breathing the word into my ear. "Do it."

Garrick doesn't beg. He just stares at me with those flat wolf eyes, waiting. Like he's been waiting six years for this exact moment.

"She won't," one of the old wolves says from the floor. Blood's still running from his nose. "She's already his. You can smell it on her."

Mira's hand closes over mine on the knife handle. Her fingers are cold. "Sienna. They burned your father alive."

"They thought they were following orders." My voice comes out steadier than I feel. "His father lied to them."

"So what?" Mira's grip tightens. "They still did it. They still came. They still—"

"Thornwood was already burning." I look at the old wolf who said it. He's holding his ribs, face gray. "Say it again."

He spits blood. "When we got there, the main hall was on fire. Wolves in Thornwood colors were running. We thought it was a battle. Cade's father said to finish it, so we did."

"Finish what?" I press the blade harder. Garrick's pulse jumps against the edge.