---- suddenly supported you..." Maverick's voice dripped with sarcasm. "All of it was the Princess's protection from behind the scenes." The pack members around them started to recall past events, their faces gradually turning horrified. "Oh my god... so that's how it was..." "Those impossible victories..." "The Stone Pack could never have had that kind of strength..." Ethan sank to the ground, muttering, ''So... so everything was..." "All her doing," Maverick sneered. ''And you, like an ungrateful dog, betrayed your benefactor." Scarlett backed away in terror. "No... I didn't know... I really didn't know..." "Didn't know?" I finally spoke, my voice as cold ---- as a blade. "You didn't know whose husband you were seducing? Didn't know whose son you got killed?" I walked towards her, each step making her more terrified. "Scarlett Reed, you thought your 'pure blood' was so precious?" I let out a small laugh. 'In front of true royal blood, your bloodline is less than garbage." Scarlett fell to the ground in fear. Ethan tried to protect her, but one look from Maverick pinned him to the spot. "Now," I looked around at everyone, "kneel." I didn't raise my voice, didn't even release any pressure. But the natural authority of royal blood made every werewolf present feel an irresistible urge to submit. One by one, all the werewolves began to kneel. ---- "Regina... no, Princess... please forgive us..." "We didn't know your identity..." "Please give us a chance..." "We beg your forgiveness..." Eleanor and Ethan also knelt, tears streaming down their faces. "Regina... my dear daughter-in-law... please forgive us..." "T was wrong... I was so wrong... please come back... " But I didn't want to hear any more of their empty words. Theld Caleb's urn and walked away without looking back. Maverick followed me, tossing one last sentence over his shoulder before he left: ---- "Starting tonight, the Stone Pack and all packs present here tonight lose the Winters family's protection. Your territories, your allies, your power... all of it will be taken back." He smiled wickedly. "Enjoy what time you have left."