60. A Friend

“Wait.” Swan’s voice cut through the silence, her eyes narrowing as she reached into the pit. When she straightened, she held something between her fingers. A single strand of hair. Thick. Long. Black. Jayden’s breath hitched. He would recognize that hair anywhere. *Rose.* His jaw clenched. She had been here. *She took him.* “She has every right to take his body with her,” he murmured, voice tight. But deep down, something twisted inside him. This was his one shot. His only chance to confirm whether he had been cursed… or turned. If he could’ve gotten to the body, he might’ve uncovered the truth about the alpha. And now, that chance was gone. Emric studied him closely. “You seem… weirdly happy about something,” he mused, leaning back with an arched brow. Jayden blinked, then, despite everything, let out a small, unexpected chuckle. He dusted off his hands, standing up. “I made a new friend today.” A small, satisfied smirk tugged at his lips. Emric mocked, crossing his arms. “I thought