Chapter 10 Near midday , my surveillance rune flickered - Vivian had returned home . She spotted a crimson card wedged into her door handle . At first , she moved to tear it up , but then , recognizing the sigil etched upon it , she tucked it quickly into her pocket . I smiled . The trap was set . Within days , she had thrown herself onto the healer's table . A double eyelid lift , nose bridge implants , cheek fillers , even lip enhancement - piece by piece she carved herself into a stranger . Soon after , she vanished from across the lane , dragging her broken sons with her . Vivian believed a new face could grant her a new life . But the card she had taken bore the mark of the Shadow - Brokers -the blackest lenders in the pack . Their interest was usury , their methods ruthless . It was only a matter of time before their hunters came knocking . Sure enough , not two weeks later , heavy fists rattled my neighbor's door . When no one answered , I opened my own . " They've moved out , " I said smoothly . The leader , a scarred brute with wolf eyes , narrowed his gaze . " You know where she went ? " I gave a slow shrug . " Not exactly . But I know where her mate's parents still live . " hatred for Edward burned Their lips curled into savage smiles . I gave them the address of the Stone elders without hesitation . My hatr hotter than even my disgust for Vivian A few days later , the Stones summoned me to a private dining hall . Edward sat between his parents , all three plastering false smiles across their faces . " Clara , " the elder woman cooed , " we've missed you you dearly . Truly , " I set my cup down with a clink " Spare me the sweetness . Say what you came to say . " Edward bristled , but one glance from his father had him shrinking back . His mother's eyes filled with practiced tears . " It's that ville woman Vivian , " she whispered . " She borrowed from the Shadow - Brokers and n Edward half to death at our den . They swore they'd kill him if the debt isn't paid . We ... we had no one else to turn to . " and now refuses to pay . Their enforcers beat Her gaze flicked upward , searching for sympathy . " You've always been kind , Clara . Please , help him . He is Adrian and Lucas's father , after all . " I said nothing The silence stretched until Edward slammed a fist the table . " Don't play innocent ! If you don't pay , I'll go straight to the Academy and drag the boys out myself . See how proud they look when the truth spills ! " I couldn't help it - I laughed Low at first , then sharp and ringing " Truth ? Ol , Edward . Who ever told told you they were yours ? " They froze . Edward's face drained white . " What ... what do you mean ?" I leaned back , voice like velvet and venom " That day at the Rising Banquet , I didn't have time to finish . Adrian and Lucas aren't your spawn . They were conceived through the Moon Temple's blessing . My blood . My will . Nothing of yours runs through their veins . " Silence swallowed the room . Then Edward roared , his voice cracking . " You dare shame me like this ? You bitch ! You whore ! " I tilted my head , unbothered . " I knew from the beginning your true heirs were cursed . I kept it hidden because I wanted you to choke on hope . And now ? Even Mira has miscarried . Edward Stone - you will die without an heir . " Edward clutched his chest , his face ashen , sliding from his chair in a heap . I stood , brushing imaginary dust from my sleeve . " Ah , is the mighty Stone Alpha unwell ? You'd best summon the healers . Quickly , before your line ends here tonight . " With that , I slung my bag over my shoulder and walked out , laughter trailing in my wake .