Marcus rises. Blood streaming from his nose, his ears. The price of breaking Faelan’s hold through sheer force of will.
He turns toward the treeline. I sense it too—something moving with purpose.
Faelan. Still here. A projection. His consciousness split between this clearing and the Fade.
Targeting Kyle.
Kyle. One of our youngest. Loyal to Dane. Never wavered.
Faelan moves toward him—punishment. “You failed me, Marcus. So I take one of HIS.”
Marcus sees it. Understands.
Can’t undo the damage. Can’t erase his claws drawing packmate blood. But he can do this.
Marcus launches between Faelan and Kyle.
The attack meant for Kyle punches through Marcus’s chest. Not purple light. Something black, spreading like poison.
Marcus hits the ground. Blood pours from his mouth, nose, ears—the price for breaking compulsion plus this killing blow.
Kyle stumbles back, untouched.
I drop beside Marcus. His eyes find mine. Blood at his lips.
“Tell Dane ...” Barely a whisper. “Sorry. For all of it.”
“Marcus—“
“Not for this.” His hand clutches my shirt. “For doubting. Dividing. Making us weak.”
He looks at his faction—Derek, Torres, Elena, Mateo—frozen in horror.
“Protect them.” Blood trails from his mouth. “ALL of them. Not sides. Pack.”
Derek’s face crumples. Torres drops.
Marcus finds Kyle. “You stayed loyal.” The words cost him. “Good. Stay pack.”
His chest rises. Falls. Stops.
Elena sobs. Derek reaches for Reyna. Torres meets Wyatt’s eyes—both knowing they almost killed each other.
Marcus broke free. Chose right. Couldn’t undo the damage, but he ended it.
His death erased the lines he helped create.
Chapter 38
Nova
My fingers brush against Dane’s. Not seeking comfort. Confirming presence.
“Ready?” I ask.
“Yes.”
We step toward the fracture together. No hesitation now. The breach makes no sound as it opens wider—just pressure against eardrums, a sensation like glass about to shatter. The air splits. Reality peels back.
