Chapter 57. Before the Invasion

Celeste’s POV

At last, after the terrible truth had been laid bare, Nora broke the silence. “I… I understand it was for the greater good,” she began, her voice wavering slightly, “but I can’t accept it on moral grounds. There must have been another way.”

Cira let out a low hiss of frustration. “Ugh, hard-headed as ever,” she muttered under her breath.

Nora’s eyes flashed with determination. “I’d rather be stubborn than complacent,” she replied, “and it’s not like my agreeing with the method would bring anyone back anyway.” She paused as all her cousins fixed their gazes on her.

“I’ve already rejected Lucen and fallen out of love with him,” Nora continued, her tone steely yet tinged with sadness. “I’m the Beta of a new pack now. These are people I truly care about and want to protect.”

“But…” Ayra began to argue, stepping forward to plead with her.

Before Ayra could get another word out, Cira reached out and gripped her shoulder, shaking her