Chapter 7 Anya kept performing , prattling on - never seeing how dark Atticus's face had grown . The crack of the slap snapped the air . Atticus's eyes were wild . " Who told you to touch my things ? Do you have any idea what you've done to me ? That wasn't poison . That was my lifeline ! " Anya went stiff . Tears welled and trembled , but his bark cut them off . " Don't cry . Don't you dare play the helpless act again . ' He turned his back on her and stabbed at his phone , calling me over and over . Each time , the same cold message . I had blocked his number . When he couldn't reach me , he called Liam . sat beside Liam , working a batch of Moonbinding incense balm for his mother , when the line clicked and Atticus's voice came through between gritted teeth . " Where's Seraphina ? " Liam flicked a finger in his ear and said , cool as ice , " None of your damn business . " Atticus called again . This time his voice dropped , ragged with a new , desperate humility . " Please ... let Seraphina talk to me . " I took the phone , my tone flat . " Go on . " He startled at the sound of me , then rushed his words . " I'm sorry . I didn't understand . I didn't see what you were doing for me . I - can we talk in person ? " " I'm busy . " I hung up . Panic spiked on his end . Worse , Nightfall's Beta rang in , voice shaking . " Alpha ! It's bad . The stock is tanking . Someone posted the video of you collapsing at the site ... Everyone says you're on drugs . " Atticus froze , then opened the app . There he was on screen : eyes unfocused , body twitching , every inch the image of a user . The comments had already exploded . " I'm with the DEA - looks exactly like drug symptoms . " " An Alpha like that ? Imagine his pack . " " I even bought Nightfall stock , Dump it now ! " Panic selling hammered the price . It fell like a stone . A vise clamped his chest . The dark closed in and he blacked out , He didn't dare stay down long . When he came to , he lunged for the office , clawing at the wildfire of rumors . Without my balm , his face was ashen , his gait unsteady , death written in the hollows of his cheeks . Partners took one look and backed away . Chapter 7 Galatea 77 78 % Chapter 7 " Sorry , our contract went to Jason from Silvercrest Pack . " We've lined up another supplier . Next time . " Others pulled out entirely . The funding chain collapsed . Liam had already moved behind the scenes, closing doors with the banks . Atticus applied for a loan . The answer was a flat no . He stood there , lost and reeling - until footsteps sounded in the doorway . I was there . For a beat , Atticus just stared . Joy flared and died behind his eyes , smothered by shame . He fumbled at his collar , trying to make himself look like an Alpha again . 3