---- old laws demand it." I folded the letter carefully and walked to the bookshelf. Behind the largest volume was a hidden. compartment that connected to the pack's messenger system. Within hours, this letter would reach the Elder Council. They would come. And when they did, Damon would learn the true cost of his actions. I began gathering my son's belongings-his clothes, his toys, the blanket he'd slept with every night. Each item felt like holding a piece of his soul. When I opened the bedroom door to leave, I found Serena standing in the middle of the living room, hands on her hips, surveying everything like a conquering queen. "Finally packing up your junk?" she said with a cold smile. "Honestly, Aria, your decorating taste is absolutely horrible. All these warm colors and ---- family photos-so nauseating and sentimental." She gestured around dismissively. "Don't worry, I'll have this place redecorated properly once you're gone. Somewhere more... sophisticated. More fitting for an Alpha's real family." I didn't take the bait. I had bigger concerns than her petty insults. But as I walked toward the front door, Serena suddenly let out a sharp gasp. I turned just in time to see her slap herself hard across the face, hard enough to leave a red handprint on her cheek. Before I could react, she threw herself sideways into the coffee table. The corner caught her forehead, opening up a gash that immediately began bleeding. "Damon!" she screamed at the top of her lungs. " Help me! She's trying to kill me!" ---- Footsteps thundered down the stairs. Damon appeared like an avenging angel, his eyes blazing with protective fury. "What the hell happened?" he demanded, rushing to Serena's side. "She attacked me!" Serena sobbed, pointing a shaking finger at me. "I was just trying to help her pack, and she went crazy! She said I didn't deserve to live in her house!" "Aria!" Damon's voice was pure rage. "Didn't I warn you what would happen if you touched her again?" "Tnever-" "Are you looking for death?" His Alpha power rolled off him in waves, making my knees buckle. Even I couldn't withstand the full force of an enraged Alpha. His backhand caught me across the jaw, sending me flying into the wall. I crashed to