"Maybe... this

is

love."

Colt’s gaze feels as though it’s piercing my soul. He leans in, his warm lips brushing mine in a tender, sweet kiss that ends far too soon. He pulls back, tucking me into his chest. "You are the bravest person I know, you know that?" he whispers.

I laugh, a jagged sound. "I’m scared shitless, Colt. I’m just trying to follow your lead and keep my head down."

"Well, you’re doing a hell of a job." I pull back slightly to look up at him. He caresses my arms, his eyes dark with intensity. "I’m the daughter of your enemy. Do you still want me, knowing what I am?"

He smiles. "I’ve known you since we were children. You aren't him. You proved that to me when we were in the dungeon. I see

you

, Cass."

I lean my head against his chest, finding sanctuary in his embrace. He kisses the top of my head. "I will keep you safe. I will find a way for us to leave."

"Colt?"

"Mhm?"

"I know the dinner was a performance. Things are worse here than you let on, aren't they?"

He is silent for a long time. "This is how this side of the pack lives. Those who belong are protected, but the prisoners, the forced conscripts... they suffer. You’ll see it eventually. I’ve only been a general for three years. The first six I spent in the reforming camps."

"It’s that bad?"

"...Yeah."

"How long will we be here?"

"I won't lie to you: getting out won't be easy. Especially now—you’re his prized possession. You won't be allowed to be alone."

I look down, a heavy weight settling in my stomach. "Will it even be possible?"

"Whatever happens, I am not leaving you. I’ll stay with you until we are both free."

I don't doubt him for a second. "Colt... would you stay the night?"

"Angel, someone could walk in."

"Just for a little while. I don't think I’ll be able to sleep otherwise."

He nods, kissing my forehead. He removes his jacket and lies down with me on the expansive bed, holding me tight.

"Hey... who was that woman who greeted you when we arrived?" I ask, the memory surfacing.

I hear him take a sharp breath. "A friend."

"Friend? You mean lover?"

"No. A friend. I was never intimate with her. She’s someone I could talk to, and I care for her, but it never went beyond that. However... I’m aware of her feelings. Feelings I do not share."

"She tried to kiss you."

"And I pulled away," he says matter-of-factly. "I can only assume it was out of shock and excitement at seeing me alive."

"Mh... okay."

He squeezes me closer. "You are the only one I want."

I smile, closing my eyes. This man arrived in my life like a storm, turning everything upside down, yet he is the only constant. I drift off to sleep, feeling a strange, fragile sense of peace.

When I wake, the room is empty. Dawn light bleeds through the curtains, and the spot beside me is cold.

Could this really be love?

I wonder.

So fast, so easy?

A knock at the door, and Poppy enters before I can respond. "Time to wake up. We have a busy day ahead."

I dress in jeans and a T-shirt, and we head to the dining room. It’s crowded—not just with generals, but their families. It’s intimidating. Poppy sits next to Lotus, Warrick’s bride, and pats the empty seat beside her.

Breakfast is served, but Warrick is nowhere to be seen. Neither is Colt.

"How was your first night?" Lotus asks, her smile strained.

"It was good," I reply.

Lotus stares at me, her gaze lingering a second too long. "To think... that you ended up back here..."

Poppy stiffens. "Lotus..."

"I’m just saying... it’s a shame."

"Not now," Poppy warns.

"Dahlia risked her life to get her away from this place, but here she is—"

"Lotus!" Poppy whispers sharply, grabbing her hand.

My attention is stolen by the girl who tried to kiss Colt. She sits at the end of the table—a brunette with dark, piercing eyes.

"Who is that?" I ask Poppy.

"Julia. Rodrick’s youngest daughter."

"The general with the scar?"

She nods. Suddenly, Skye—now going by Jasmin—sits directly in front of us. She crosses her arms, her eyes landing on me with a look of pure disdain.

"Good morning... Casseopea," she says. The name sounds like an insult on her tongue.

"Morning," I reply coolly.

"It is

so

nice to see you again," she murmurs. She is just as entitled and cruel as I remember.

As I finish my meal, Colt walks in. My heart hammers against my ribs, but he glances at me only for a split second before looking away, his face a mask. Julia immediately slides her tray over to sit beside him. My blood boils.

"Come," Poppy says. "Alpha Warrick wants to see you in his office."

My nerves return, sharp and biting. I follow Poppy through the hall to the office. She opens the door, and I step inside. Victor and Garret are there, but the desk is empty.

"Wait here," Poppy says, closing the door behind me.

Garret paces toward me, eyes roaming over my body with clear distaste. "So, you’re our sister."

"Yes," I say.

"And you have

the gift

." He circles me like a predator.

"So it seems."

"You aren't even sure?"

"Dad tested her," Victor cuts in. "When he ordered her to kill Alexis. She refused. The power only works on those who lack it; Garret and I would have been forced to obey."

"Maybe it was a trick," Garret sneers. "Maybe she’s a phony."

My patience snaps. "I killed a man, Garret. His heart stopped because I

wanted

it to. I don't control it, but my emotions trigger it. Care to test it?"

I lock eyes with him, and he flinches, quickly averting his gaze.

The door swings open, and Warrick enters. "Good. You’re all here." He leans against his desk. "My children, together. Victor will teach you to fight; Garret will teach you the art of war. Learn from them. You are the successor, but they are the ones who understand this world."

"So we are teachers now?" Garret grumbles.

Warrick’s voice drops, lethal and cold. "She is the only thing that matters now. My legacy lives through her. Give your lives for this cause, if necessary."

He walks over, brushing my hair aside to touch my neck. "Not mated. Good. No distractions."

If only he knew,

I think.

A knock at the door. "Enter."

Serge enters, with Colt trailing behind him.

"Serge, Alexis—good," Warrick says. "You are my daughter’s personal bodyguards. If anything happens to her, it will be your heads."

He waves them away. "Figure out your schedules."

Once Warrick leaves, the silence in the room is suffocating.

"I’m sorry," I say to my brothers. "What he said to you... it was cruel."

Victor looks surprised. "He is a cruel man. We expect nothing less."

Garret walks to the door, sneering at me. "You’re too soft for this, sister. You’ll need to grow a spine if you want to survive."

Victor lingers, watching me. "He expects great things from you. But even his children aren't immune to his wrath. Wish you luck."

Poppy sticks her head in. "Done? Time to see your home."

My home.

I look around the room, feeling like a stranger in my own skin. Is this truly what I've become?