Chapter 171

Maya's POV I had seen Oliver getting scorched under the sunlight earlier. Watching him in pain like that, it hurt. But when we arrived and I saw he had already healed, relief washed over me. “I can finish this,” I told him, voice steady. There was a time when Damien’s presence made me feel small, and scared, even disgusted. But that time had passed. I was done being afraid of him. Oliver walked over to my mother and spoke with her quietly. I couldn’t hear what they said, but whatever it was sent her moving straight toward Zach. She didn’t say a word at first, just stood in front of him, sizing him up. I watched as the silence made him uneasy. He kept shifting on his feet under her gaze. She stayed quiet, thoughtful, until Oliver joined her again. They spoke briefly, then Oliver signaled for Henry to come over. The three of them huddled together, voices low and serious. A few minutes later, they all turned and stepped toward Zach. “Zach, were you Alpha-commanded to do what you did?” my