Drop the Mask

Emily's POV. For a brief, shining moment, I thought we'd won. 'We did it,' I thought to Eartha, my wolf-self practically vibrating with pride. 'Don't lower your guard yet,' she cautioned, but I could feel her own elation bubbling beneath the surface. I turned to the triplets, my heart swelling at the sight of them. Battered and bloodied, but alive. Oh my boys. "Emily," Leo managed, his voice rough with pain but warm with affection. "You were incredible." Logan nodded, a weak grin spreading across his face. Luca, ever the jokester even in dire situations, quipped, "So, does this mean we have to start calling you Alpha Emily now?" I felt a laugh bubbling up in my chest, relief and joy threatening to overwhelm me. But before I could respond, a sound cut through the air that made my blood run cold. Laughter. Not the warm, genuine laughter of friends sharing a joke. This was cold, cruel, and utterly devoid of humor. My head snapped around, fur bristling as I faced the source. Alpha King and