Chapter 109. The Unspoken Cost

Adam's POV

I closed my eyes, letting heartbreak, guilt, and fury swirl in my chest. I saw the same fierce determination burning in Lottie's gaze when I opened them again. She eased away from me and squared her shoulders.

"I need to speak to Selene," she declared, loud enough for us all to hear.

Startled whispers moved across the group. Liam and Chase only offered sad smiles as though they had expected no less from her. Kane drew in a sharp breath, crossing his arms over his chest.

"What's the point?" he asked quietly. "She didn't warn us about any of this. Why would she listen now?"

His question made my wolf, Savage, howl inside my head--a raw, mournful cry. I clamped down on despair, refusing to let it consume me. He was her mate; he should be supporting her, not ignoring her needs.

"She's our goddess," I affirmed, my tone harsher than I intended. "She's answered Lottie before. She needs to know why she kept this from us. Why did she not give us