Seraphina’s POV
The chaos around us stilled, every sound drowned out by the relentless thrum of the helicopter blades. I lay on the ground, panting, my heart racing as my eyes locked onto the sleek black helicopter hovering above.
The insignia on its side was unmistakable—Obsidian Crest Pack’s Alpha.
Caden.
Relief and disbelief surged through me in equal measure. He came. He came for me.
Holly’s face twisted in fury as she shrieked at her soldiers, “Don’t stop! Take them both down! That bounty means nothing—he doesn’t care about her anymore!”
But her soldiers hesitated, their confidence wavering as another sharp crack echoed through the air. Another wolf yelped and collapsed.
Caden sat poised at the edge of the helicopter, his sniper rifle steady, his gaze cold and unyielding as it swept over the scene below.
“Anyone else want to try?” His voice, amplified by a speaker, cut through the tension like a blade.
Holly stepped back, panic flickering in her eyes as she scrambled to regain control. “He’s bluffing! Charge!”
No one moved.
Eason, still in his wolf form, stood protectively in front of me, his teeth bared and fur bristling. Slowly, he shifted back into his human form, glaring daggers at Holly.
“You’ve lost, Holly,” Eason growled. “Your soldiers won’t follow you against him.”
Holly clenched her fists, her eyes darting between Eason and the helicopter. “You think this changes anything? She’s still a traitor! And so are you for protecting her!”
Another shot rang out, this time striking the ground inches from her feet. She screamed, stumbling back.
Caden’s voice was calm, almost bored. “Try me, Holly. I’ve taken down empires for less.”
His words sent a shiver down my spine, the weight of his authority suffocating even from this distance.
The helicopter began its descent, the powerful gusts of wind forcing everyone to shield their faces. Caden jumped down with effortless grace, his tall figure commanding the attention of everyone present.
His green eyes found me instantly, scanning my bruised form with a flash of something—anger? Concern? Relief?
He turned his attention to Holly, his expression hardening. “You’ve made a grave mistake,” he said coldly.
Holly tried to straighten, her voice faltering. “I-I was protecting Emerald Howl Pack! She’s a traitor! She—”
“Enough.” Caden’s voice cut through her excuses like a whip. “You’ve done enough damage. I already know the truth. About Sid, about your lies, and about the deal you made with Silverclaw Pack.”
Gasps rippled through the crowd, and Holly’s defiance faltered.
“You have no proof!” she snapped, but her voice wavered.
“I don’t need proof to deal with someone like you,” Caden said, his tone dripping with menace.
He turned to Eason, his gaze sharp. “Take her soldiers. They’re yours now. And make sure she’s detained until Sid can confirm her punishment.”
Eason nodded, his face grim.
Holly’s eyes widened in horror. “You can’t do this! I’m Luna! I—”
“You’re nothing,” Caden interrupted, his voice low and final. “Not anymore.”
He didn’t spare her another glance as he strode toward me.
“Seraphina,” he said softly, his hand extending toward me.
I hesitated, my heart pounding as I looked into his eyes.
“Are you hurt?” he asked, his voice losing some of its edge.
“I’m fine,” I whispered, though my voice betrayed my exhaustion and fear.
Without waiting for permission, he pulled me to my feet, steadying me. His touch was firm but surprisingly gentle, his presence grounding me in a way I desperately needed.
“Let’s go,” he said simply, leading me toward the helicopter.
I glanced back at Eason, who stood amidst the chaos, his expression unreadable.
“Thank you,” I murmured, my voice barely audible over the noise.
Eason gave a small nod, his eyes softening for the briefest moment.
Caden helped me into the helicopter, his hand never leaving mine. The door closed, muffling the sounds of the world outside.
As the helicopter lifted off, I stole one last look at the snowy mountains of Emerald Howl Pack. My heart ached with a mix of loss and relief.
Caden sat across from me, his piercing gaze unwavering. “You’re safe now,” he said, his voice steady.
For the first time in what felt like forever, I let myself believe it.
