Chapter 27: Chapter 8

CORALIE

The council’s defeat is swift, their blood turning the once immaculate chapel a chilling shade of red. I step back, letting my inner beast recede as my gaze lands on Darius. Swiftly, I free Jordan and Danny from their restraints, then turn my focus to my fallen comrade.

“No…no, no, no. You can’t leave me, damn it!” My fangs elongate, and I bite into my wrist, just enough to draw blood. Then I tilt his head. I let the blood from my wrist trickle into his open mouth.

Time seems to crawl as I wait for a sign, any sign that he’s still with me. My heart feels like it’s shattering as I look down at him, but then his hand shoots up and grips my arm tightly.

“You just had to sass the head witch.” I chuckle, the sound a mix of relief and joy.

“I thought…I can’t lose you.” His lips twitch into a small smile as he slowly sits up while I remove his restraints.

“Do you really think dark magic could kill me, Coralie? I am the embodiment of darkness.” He smirks, placing a hand on my shoulder.

I take a moment to survey the room, feeling a wave of relief at the sight of Jordan and Danny conversing with some of our men at the entrance. My eyes settle on the glass coffin, a whirlwind of excitement, fear, and apprehension coursing through me. I approach him, my brother, my savior.

His body is frail, his skin as pale as snow, his energy nearly depleted. I take his hand in mine and try to channel my energy into him, healing his weakened form.

“Luca, come back to me. Please, I need you.” I can feel the energy pulsating through him, but it’s still too weak.

I place my other hand on his chest, take a deep breath, and as I exhale, I pour everything into him all at once. My vision starts to blur, but a hand wraps around my wrist, pulling it away from Luca’s chest. I look up, meeting the bright blue eyes of my brother as a torrent of emotions wash over me.

“I’ve missed you, Cora,” he says, sitting up and pulling me into his arms, nearly dragging me into the coffin with him.

“I missed you too!” As I pull away from his embrace, I watch as he surveys the room and feel a pang of guilt until a smile tugs at his lips.

“I see you’ve redecorated the place.” I help him out of the coffin and guide him over to the growing group of our men who are eager to see the chaos caused by their future luna.

“Luca, these are the people who helped me get here. I believe you already know Darius,” I say, raising an eyebrow at him.

“Yeah, we’ve met.” He smiles, a flicker of guilt crossing his face, but it quickly vanishes when I speak again.

“This is Alpha Jordan. He’s my mate,” I say, smiling as his jaw drops slightly before his gaze meets mine again.

“Your mate?! It didn’t seem like you two were getting along so well the last few times we spoke, but now you’re mated. Damn, I really did miss a lot,” he says, and we all laugh at his shocked expression.

“Luca, the witch’s council has fallen. Altier is dead. We’re going after the were council next.” The wicked gleam in his eye tells me he’s ready to march with us into battle, ready to bring about the change that will save not only our people, but all those who can’t stand and fight.

“I always told you that you were destined for so much more than the council thought you capable of,” he says, pulling me into his arms and placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.

“Alpha, we have the rest of the Haven Crest Pack gathered in the town square. What do you want us to do?” Before Jordan can answer, I turn and stride out of the room.

I walk confidently out of the chapel and into the crowded town square, with Jordan, Danny, Darius, Luca, and the rest of our men following me. They stand quietly, as if curious to see what I’ll do. From the top of the steps, I have a perfect view of the gathered crowd.

“Your alpha has fallen. Caleb Altier has fallen. The witch’s council has fallen and the were council will be next. I can feel your fear. I can feel your uncertainty. Today, you’re being given something that was taken from you long ago. Today, you’re being given a choice. You can leave, find new homes, and live out your lives peacefully, or you can stand with us. We’ll offer shelter to your children, your elderly, and anyone who can’t fight. Today, you’re free, but all freedom comes at a cost, one that my mate and I are prepared to pay.”