“Exactly. The strategic implications are significant.” I return to the table. “Which is why we need to address both the immediate threat and the underlying vulnerability.”
“Thornridge has proven they’re willing to use suppressors and other technology we don’t fully understand,” Axle comments from his seat. “Traditional defense strategies might not be enough.”
“We need a unified defense coordination between all three valley packs. Increased patrols along the Llewelyn borders. Shared intelligence about Thornridge movements. Joint response protocols so we can reinforce quickly if they attack.” I list the tactical recommendations I’ve prepared. “But that only addresses the immediate threat. To truly protect Llewelyn, we need to break the curse before Thornridge can exploit it.”
“Break a three-hundred-year-old binding spell.” Ash’s tone makes it clear she understands how difficult that will be. “How exactly do you propose we do that?”
This is the part I’ve been dreading. The part where I explain what breaking the curse requires and watch them realize what I’m asking.
“According to both the Hysopp archives and Llewelyn oral histories, breaking the curse requires very specific conditions. A woman from the affected bloodline who has developed psychic abilities despite the suppression, bonded to her true mate. The mate bond provides the power needed to channel the counter-spell. The psychic abilities provide the sight to navigate the curse’s structure. Together, they create a channel strong enough to shatter the binding.”
“Sera.” Raegan connects the pieces within seconds. “She’s the one the prophecy was talking about. Her visions, the mate bond with you—that’s what breaks it.”
“Yes. She’s likely the first Llewelyn woman in three centuries to develop abilities the curse couldn’t fully suppress. The mate bond we’ve formed gives her access to power that can break the binding.” I force myself to continue even though every word feels like an admission of manipulation. “But it requires her full acceptance of the bond. Complete trust and willing participation. We can’t force this.”
The temperature in the room seems to drop several degrees. Oren’s face goes very still, and I know exactly what he’s thinking about. What happened when Wyn forced Raegan into marriage to keep her safe from Thornridge. How that situation nearly destroyed both of them before they worked through it.
“You’re asking us to support pushing a woman toward accepting a mate bond she didn’t choose.” Oren’s voice stays level, but I hear the edge underneath. “To pressure her into a connection that happened because of circumstances rather than by choice.”
“Sera and I have completed the physical claim,” I begin, wincing at how reductive it sounds, “but full acceptance of the bond requires more than that. I’m not forcing her into anything.All I’m doing is providing information and support while she decides what comes next.”
“Like you provided information about the mate bond from the beginning?” Wyn’s tone isn’t accusatory, just pointed. “Or like you kept it secret, because telling her would have complicated things?”
The criticism lands exactly where he intended. I deserve it. “I made mistakes. I should have told her about the bond immediately instead of waiting until circumstances forced the conversation. But what’s done is done, and now we need to focus on breaking the curse before Thornridge makes their move.”
Raegan stands and walks to the window, staring out at the desert landscape beyond the pack hall. When she speaks, her voice carries the weight of someone who’s lived through exactly this situation.
“Force doesn’t work with mate bonds. Trust me on that one.” She glances at Wyn, and something passes between them. “You can manipulate circumstances, coerce someone into sharing your space, or even complete the physical claim. But real acceptance—the kind required for magic this powerful—only comes when someone chooses freely. Without pressure. Without feeling like they have no other option.”
“Which is why I’m not forcing anything.” I spread my arms out and add, “Sera knows what breaking the curse requires. She knows the mate bond is the key to channeling enough power. The choice of whether to proceed is entirely hers to make.”
Oren returns to his seat at the head of the table. He’s silent for a long moment, clearly weighing the political and ethical implications of this entire situation.
“We need to coordinate defenses immediately. We can’t wait for Sera to decide.” Oren turns to face the full council. “Axle, work with Llewelyn’s border patrols. Share our intelligence about Thornridge movements and establish joint response protocols. I want clear communication channels and reinforcement plans in place within forty-eight hours.”
“Understood.” Axle makes notes on his tablet.
“Wyn, coordinate with Ambersky leadership. We need all three packs ready to respond if Thornridge attacks any of our territories. This isn’t just a Llewelyn problem; if they fall, we’re all vulnerable.”
The orders come rapid-fire, each council member receiving specific assignments and deadlines. I watch the machine of pack leadership move into action and try not to think too hard about what I’m asking Sera to do. About the weight I’m placing on her shoulders by making her pack’s survival dependent on her choices.
“What about the curse-breaking attempt?” Ash asks when Oren pauses. “What support do we provide there?”
“Security during the ritual. The Hysopp witches will need a safe location to work, and Sera will be vulnerable while channeling that much power.” Oren looks at me. “Medical personnel standing by in case something goes wrong. Whatever resources the coven needs—supplies, space, protection. But Reeyan is right about one thing. The choice has to be Sera’s. We can offer support, but we can’t push. The magic won’t work if she’s acting under pressure rather than genuine acceptance.”
“There’s one more thing,” I force myself to say, even though every instinct screams to keep this information to myself. “Breaking the curse requires more than just the mate bond existing. According to the documentation Evangelineprovided, it requires a formal mating ceremony. A wedding recognized by all the packs, making the bond official in both magical and social terms.”
The words land like stones thrown into still water. I watch Oren’s face darken as he understands exactly what I’m saying.
“You’re telling me this woman who barely knows you, who’s dealing with learning her entire identity is built on a curse, who’s being targeted by an enemy pack—you’re saying she needs to marry you for this to work?”
“Yes. The formal ceremony provides the magical structure required to channel enough power through the bond. Without it, the connection isn’t strong enough to break a curse this old and this deeply embedded in the bloodline.”
“That’s awfully convenient.” Axle’s voice drips with sarcasm. “The solution to this problem just happens to require exactly what benefits you personally. Marriage to your mate.”
“It’s not convenient,” I snap in his direction. “You think I’m happy about this? About asking a woman I’ve known for barely a week to marry me so we can attempt to break a curse that might kill her in the process? About forcing her to choose between her pack’s freedom and her own autonomy?”
“Then don’t ask.” Raegan turns from the window. “Tell her what’s required and let her decide without any pressure from you or anyone else in this room. If she chooses to go through with it, support her. If she doesn’t, respect that choice and help her find another way to protect her pack.”
