Seraphina’s POV
I stared at the papers in disbelief, my hands trembling.
“You too?” My voice cracked as I looked up at Eason, my heart shattering.
Eason’s sharp green eyes bore into mine, unyielding and cold. He crossed his arms, his towering presence suffocating.
“This isn’t personal, Seraphina. It’s for the pack,” he said flatly.
“For the pack?!” I hissed, clutching the papers. “You’re asking me to give up everything I’ve worked for! Carnival City is all I have left, Eason!”
He didn’t flinch. “And Emerald Howl Pack is all I have left. The pack comes first, always.”
“You can’t actually believe Holly!” I snapped, my voice rising. “She’s lying, framing me! You know me, Eason. I would never hurt Sid!”
Eason’s jaw tightened, his expression unreadable.
“Then prove it,” he said quietly.
I blinked, confused.
“What?”
“Prove it,” he repeated, his voice cold and firm. “I’ve been digging, Seraphina. Something about Holly doesn’t sit right with me either. But if you don’t sign this agreement, she’ll execute Nora and Liam. She’s already made that clear. Are you really willing to let your friends die just to hold onto this project?”
I froze, his words hitting me like a slap.
“She’s using you,” I whispered, tears stinging my eyes. “She’s manipulating all of us.”
Eason leaned in closer, his presence looming. “And you’re letting her win if you don’t act. Nora and Liam don’t deserve to pay for this mess. Sign the papers, Seraphina. We’ll figure out the rest later.”
My hands clenched into fists, anger and despair swirling inside me.
“You’re asking me to sacrifice everything, Eason,” I said through gritted teeth. “For what? To play into her hands? She’ll only get stronger, and the pack will suffer even more under her rule.”
“I’m asking you to save lives,” he shot back. “And I’ll deal with Holly.”
I shook my head, my heart breaking.
“You don’t understand…”
“Don’t I?” he interrupted, his voice rising. “You’re my sister, Seraphina. I’ve spent years cleaning up the messes you’ve left behind. This time, I can’t do it alone. I need you to trust me and do what’s right—for the pack, for your friends, for yourself.”
His words cut deep, guilt and frustration twisting in my chest.
I looked down at the papers again, the weight of the decision pressing on me like a crushing tide.
If I signed, I’d lose Carnival City, the only thing I had left. But if I didn’t, Nora and Liam would pay the price.
“What if I sign, and she kills them anyway?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Eason hesitated, his gaze softening slightly. “She won’t. Holly’s playing a dangerous game, but she needs to keep her lies intact. Killing them after you sign would only draw more suspicion.”
Tears slid down my cheeks as I nodded slowly, my hands shaking.
“Fine,” I choked out. “I’ll sign it.”
Eason’s expression didn’t change, but I thought I saw a flicker of relief in his eyes. He placed a pen in my hand, and I stared at the papers for what felt like an eternity.
This is for Nora and Liam, I told myself.
With trembling hands, I signed the agreement.
When I handed the papers back to Eason, my heart felt like it had been ripped out of my chest.
“Happy now?” I asked bitterly, wiping at my tears.
Eason didn’t answer. He took the papers and turned away, his shoulders tense.
“I’ll make sure they’re safe,” he said quietly before walking toward the door.
As the door closed behind him, I collapsed onto the bed, my body shaking with silent sobs.
I had nothing left. Nothing but the faint hope that this sacrifice would save the people I cared about.
And deep down, I prayed that Eason was right.
