Chapter 52. The Illusion of Desire

James’ POV

The moon hung heavy in the sky, casting its cold silver glow over the Redmoon Pack’s stronghold. The lingering scent of blood and damp earth clung to my skin as I stepped into my quarters, my body aching from the battle.

The fight had been brutal; Dylan and Julian were stronger than I had anticipated. Still, we had forced them to retreat, and that was enough for now.

Beside me, Isabella was humming in satisfaction, her dark locks cascading over her shoulders, her lips curled into a smirk. She had enjoyed the bloodshed, relished the chaos. Unlike Avery, who had always flinched at violence, Isabella found pleasure in it. She was fire; relentless and consuming.

She turned to me, her fingers grazing along my jaw, her nails dragging lightly across my skin. “Did you see her?” she murmured, tilting her head with amusement. “She actually thinks she’s strong now.”

I knew who she was referring to, Avery.

The image of her standing at the ba