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Connor's Pov I should have known Tiara couldn’t be trusted. Despite the small spark of trust I had in her, the signs were always there, and I allowed her to take Aria away from me, and it's all, and again because of me. My chest tightened as I replayed Tiara’s betrayal in my mind. This wouldn’t happen again, I wouldn’t let it. “Liam, you know Tiara better than anyone here. You’ve spent time with her. Where would she take Aria?” Liam shifted uncomfortably, avoiding my eyes. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know. I didn’t even know she had powers like this. She never mentioned anything about it.” I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to snap. “You’re telling me you’ve been around her all this time and didn’t sense a thing?” “She wasn’t part of this pack until you brought her in,” Liam countered, his voice defensive. His words stung because they were true. Tiara wasn’t one of us, she never had been. I only gave her a place here, allowed her into our circle, and she used that trust against me. “Then we need someone who knows her history,” I said, pacing furiously. “The oldest members of the pack might have some answers. Noah would’ve known, but…” I trailed off, he deserved the harsh death Aria gave him. I wondered if she remembered that. There was only one option left, someone who wasn’t tied to Aria’s pack but knew more about the past than anyone alive. And if that was anyone, it would be Eldric. He knew so much, he's the eldest werewolf in my pack. I hurriedly took off and left Liam in charge, he always knew how to take care of issues when I wasn't available. Probably not all the time. I found Eldric in his secluded quarters. The old wolf’s eyes lit up when he saw me. “Connor,” he said, a toothy grin spreading across his face. “To what do I owe this honor?” “There’s no time for pleasantries, Eldric,” I snapped, my frustration spilling over. “Aria is in danger. She’s in the hands of a powerful young witch named Tiara. I need your help.” Eldric’s grin faded instantly. His expression turned grim as he gestured for me to sit. “I know Tiara,” he said quietly. My eyes widened. “You do?” “Yes. But you should know, Connor, Tiara isn’t as powerful as you think. The moon goddess sent her away and made her human. She shouldn’t have any powers left.” I stared at him with so much disbelief. “That’s impossible. I’ve seen what she can do. She’s not human, Eldric. She has more powers than you think of as a normal werewolf should” The old wolf sighed heavily, leaning back in his chair. “Her power comes at a cost. She needs royal blood or a sacrificial ritual to regain her full strength. That’s likely why she took Aria. But…” “But what? You tell me how to stop her,” I demanded, my patience wearing thin. Eldric shook his head. “It’s not that simple, Connor. Tiara’s kind thrives on contradiction. She’s part of the old ways, the kind of power your father warned us about. And as long as you live a life caught between your pack and Aria’s pack, this trouble will only grow.” “I don’t care about contradictions or old ways,” I growled, leaning forward. “I just need to get Aria out of her hands. Now, tell me what to do.” Eldric studied me for a long moment before speaking. “Tiara wants to be Luna. That’s the only way she can secure her power without a blood sacrifice.” “She can’t be Luna,” I said firmly. “She’s cursed and unfit to lead. The pack would never follow her.” Eldric nodded slowly. “Exactly. Which means she’ll need royal blood instead. And that’s where you come in.” “What? This isn't some circus trick, Eldric. I have a family” “It’s either you or someone else she deems worthy,” Eldric continued. “You could sacrifice yourself to save Aria, but what happens to Valerian then? What happens to Aria? Do you think she’ll be safe once you’re gone?” I stood abruptly, moving around the room. “Then I’ll die for her. I’ll make the sacrifice and leave Val to her care. Aria will protect him.” Eldric slammed his cane onto the ground, startling me. “You fool,” he barked. “You can’t protect anyone by dying. Stop playing the hero. If you want to save her, you have to outsmart Tiara, not feed her power. Do you know what she'll become when she gains her full strength? Why do you think Mari's father tried to take your position from you? Your father acted just like you are now. Married a rogue hunter with such weird powers and now you’re treading the same path. I won't let you do that! You've become so foolish” “All these…. All this drama that keeps showing up out of nowhere is interfering in my life. I'm the Alpha but you're the only elder I can trust. I lose Aria now, I lose everything.” “Step down as Alpha,” Eldric said simply. “Leave the pack to deal with its own problems and focus on protecting your family.” “That’s not an option,” I said firmly. “This pack is my responsibility. I won’t abandon them.” Eldric sighed, shaking his head. “Then you’ll never save Aria. The contradictions in your life will destroy you.” I turned to leave, my frustration boiling over. “Thank you for nothing, Eldric. I’ll handle this myself.” “Connor!” he called after me. I paused but didn’t turn around. “She’s more powerful now because of you,” Eldric said, his voice heavy with warning. “You’ve bonded with her, even if you didn’t realize it. That bond has strengthened her beyond what you can imagine.” His words sent a shiver down my spine, but I didn’t wait to hear the rest. I shifted into my wolf form and bolted out of there, my mind racing. ‘Tiara, Aria, royal blood… it doesn’t matter what Eldric says. I’ll save her. I have to.’ As I ran, Eldric’s final words echoed in my mind: ‘She’s more powerful now because of you.’ What did that mean? What bond had I unknowingly forged with Tiara? And how could I use it to bring Aria back safely? I just needed to do something before Tiara acted stupid.