Theodore didn’t give them time to argue. With a snarl that reverberated through the area, he charged. Grayson shifted in a blur, and his wolf met Theodore’s head-on. The impact sent both wolves skidding and their claws digging into the dirt as they grappled for dominance.
Grayson was fast, his movements precise and lethal, but Theodore was pure brute strength. He slammed into Grayson, snapping inches from his throat. Grayson twisted, using the momentum to shove Theodore back, but the larger wolf recovered almost instantly, lunging again with savage ferocity.
Cora’s magic surged, and she raised her hands, sending a streak of light toward Theodore. The beam struck his side, momentarily knocking him off balance. Grayson seized the opening, raking his claws across Theodore’s flank. Bloodsplattered, and Theodore roared in fury, turning his attention to Cora.
He bounded toward her with his massive paws tearing up the earth. Cora held her ground, summoning a barrier of golden energy just as Theodore leaped. His body slammed into the shield with a force that rattled her bones, but she gritted her teeth and held it firm.
Grayson attacked from behind, his claws tearing into Theodore’s hind leg. The wolf howled, spinning to swipe at Grayson, but Cora dropped the barrier and sent another wave of magic tearing into Theodore’s chest. The blast sent him staggering, and his massive form swayed as he struggled to stay upright.
Grayson leaped onto Theodore’s back, clamping down on the back of the larger wolf’s neck. Theodore bucked and thrashed, but Grayson held on, driving his claws into Theodore’s shoulders to anchor himself.
Cora raised her hands and summoned everything she had left. Theodore’s glowing eyes locked on hers, and for a split second, she saw the raw hatred burning in them. He tried to lunge at her, but she didn’t flinch.
With a fierce cry, she unleashed a torrent of magic that engulfed Theodore in a blinding light. The energy slammed into him, and his massive body convulsed before collapsing to the ground. Cora didn’t stop, pouring every ounce of power into ensuring he stayed down. The light seared away the last vestiges of his strength until his wolf form dissolved, leaving a broken, lifeless figure in its place.
The field was silent. Theodore was gone.
Cora sank to her knees. Her entire body trembled as exhaustion overtook her. Grayson shifted back and stumbled toher side, his own body battered and bloodied. He dropped to his knees and pulled her into his arms, holding her as if to reassure himself that she was still there.
“It’s over,” he whispered against the side of her head.
She leaned into him, burying her face in his shoulder. “For now.”
Grayson pulled back just enough to meet her gaze. “You’re right. The organization won’t stop just because Theodore’s gone. But this? This was the start of something. We’re not done fighting, but we’ve taken back control. We’ll deal with whatever comes next. Together.”
His hand cupped her cheek and brushed away a smudge of dirt.
“Always,” she agreed.
The sincerity in his voice brought tears to her eyes. She reached up, curling her fingers around his wrist as she held his gaze. “I don’t know what the future holds, Grayson. But I know I want you in it.”
“You’ve got me,” he promised. “For as long as you’ll have me.”
Cora managed a weak smile. “That’s a long time.”
“Good.” He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead before resting his against hers. “Because I’m not going anywhere.”
The distant sound of approaching footsteps reminded them they weren’t alone. Ryder and Zane emerged from the tree line, and their faces were marked with exhaustion but relief.
“Looks like you did it,” Zane declared. “He’s gone.”
“For now,” Grayson added, rising to his feet and helping Cora up. “But there’s still work to do.”
Ryder nodded. “Then we’ll do it. As a pack.”
Cora glanced at Grayson, and a quiet strength settled in her chest. The battle was over, but the fight wasn’t. They had a long road ahead, but for the first time, she felt ready to face it.
As they turned toward the glow of the wards and the faint lights of Bellefleur beyond, Cora slipped her hand into Grayson’s. His fingers closed around hers, steady and sure, and for the first time in a long time, the future didn’t feel so uncertain.
They would face it together. Whatever it brought.
Chapter 25 - Cora
Cora stood on the steps of the town hall, watching as Bellefleur’s residents gathered in the square below. Laughter and chatter filled the space, starkly contrasting the fear and tension that had gripped them just days ago. Banners fluttered from storefronts, and tables laden with food and drink lined the streets. It wasn’t a large celebration, but it felt like something the town desperately needed—a moment to breathe, to remind themselves of what they’d fought so hard to protect.
“Doesn’t feel real, does it?” Grayson asked as he came to stand beside her.
Cora turned to him, and her chest tightened at the sight of him. His injuries from the battle had already begun to fade, a prime example of his shifter healing, but she could still see the faint traces of exhaustion in his eyes. He looked at her like she was the only thing grounding him, and it sent a warmth rushing through her.
