Chapter 152. Bad Set Up

Elena’s POV

Three days. That was all I had left before the final trial and by now, it felt like every bridge behind me had already burned. Lady Valentina still went out every morning, knocking on doors, speaking to Alphas, trying to salvage what little support remained. She never complained. But I could see it in her eyes when she came back each evening: the quiet frustration, the polite smiles that hadn’t been returned.

With every passing hour, the weight on my chest grew heavier.

I was supposed to meet Damian today. One last attempt. I wanted to strike a deal, anything that wouldn’t drag Philip down with me. I was getting ready to leave when my phone rang. I answered without thinking. “Hello?”

“I’m in Midwest Pack.”

The voice froze my blood. My heart slammed hard against my ribs. I knew that voice anywhere. “…Mom?” I whispered, quickly stepping away from the others and pressing myself into a quiet corner. “What are you talking about? How did yo