~Isabella’s POV

The witches and wizards left my office with a newfound resolve, their swirling cloaks and whispered incantations leaving a strange energy in the air. I leaned back in my chair, exhaling deeply, my mind racing over everything we had discussed. The pact was sealed, and they would join us—but their warnings about werewolf loyalty to Lucian gnawed at me.

Despite the witches’ agreement, a deep unease settled in my chest. Their support was only one piece of the puzzle. The road ahead was long, and the stakes had never been higher.

I stood and walked to the tall windows overlooking the castle courtyard. The faint glow of twilight...