The castle trembled. Cracks split the floor. Silas cursed and vanished into shadows, his parting words echoing like a threat:
"This is far from over, heir. You've chosen your side. And when the war begins—he will fall first."
The moment he disappeared, Aria collapsed.
Hands caught her—strong, warm, trembling.
He was there.
The alpha had crossed the border.
"You idiot," he breathed, crushing her to his chest. "You weren't supposed to do this alone."
She smiled weakly against his shoulder. "But I didn't. You were always with me."
He pulled back just enough to cup her face, eyes burning. "I don't care about the curse anymore. I don't care what prophecy says. If I die, I die loving you."
Tears slid down her cheek.
"Then we die together."
And their lips met again—fierce, defiant, a promise of war and love and fate.