Chapter 41

Maxine's POV

Clara's eyes rolled back, and she went limp, unconscious. I released her, standing over her motionless body, my chest heaving with exertion. The training area was eerily silent, the onlookers stunned by the ferocity of the fight. They didn't believe that I could fight like that.

I glanced around, my eyes meeting Liam's. He watched me with a mixture of anger and something else—something that almost looked like respect. But I didn’t care about his approval. I had fought for myself today, and that was enough.

I turned away from Clara and walked toward the edge of the training area, my hands were still trembling from the adrenaline. The pack members parted to let me through, their expressions a mix of awe and fear. I ignored them, my mind already racing with thoughts of what would come next.

"Maxine," Liam's voice called out, breaking through my thoughts. I turned to face him, bracing myself for whatever he had to say.

"Yes, Ma