Chapter 242

DEREK’S POV What the hell am I doing? That was the first thought that clawed at my head the moment Aurelia disappeared into her chambers and the house settled into uneasy quiet. I didn’t even have a plan. I wasn’t thinking when I pushed Kael and Darius into handing over their identities. No, that’s a lie—I was thinking, but not clearly. I dangled the only thing they wanted most: a peaceful life with their mates, far away from bloodshed and wars. The temptation had been too strong, and in the end, they yielded. I told myself it was necessary, that it was the only way to get close enough to watch Aurelia, to stop what was coming before it was too late. Though I still don’t know how I will bring their mates back from Draven’s pack. But I am working on that too. I never break my promises. But now? Now I was here, acting like some shadow at her heels, and I wasn’t sure if I’d chosen the right path at all. Every second I stayed in this house, I felt the walls close in tighter, suffocating me