lac's

s dashed between desks, their fingers flying over keyboards, their conversations an overlapping murmur of questions, speculations, and last-minute edits.

r hesitation. No

product. His so-called miracle pills, the ones he was about to unveil with grandeur and false promises. The world saw them as revolutionary. I knew better. If I succeeded,

table near the far wall caught my eye, papers scattered across its surface, edges crumpled from too many han

for a second be

a single sheet of paper with carefully chosen words, just a few lines questioning the safety and long-term effects of Kael's pills. Nothing too direct,

myself to move naturally, walking with the same hurried energy as everyone else, as if I, too, had a deadline looming

my mind, a whisper of doubt that I couldn't shake.

I thought

g. I remembered the agony in his eyes when he was forced to leave, the weight of a fate he hadn't deserved pressing down on his shoul

I wasn't

I was going

observe without drawing attention. The room was packed, the air buzzing with anticipation. Nobles, warriors, and re

at seemed to absorb the light around him, making him the focal point of the room. His golden eyes gleamed with confidence, his chiseled features set in a

with pride, "today marks the beginning of a new era for our pack. I am proud to present to you the Miracle Pill, a revolutionary breakthrough

as I fought to keep my expression neutral. I remembered this moment from my past life, the excitement and hope that had filled the air.

d far too late. The warriors who took the pills became addicted, their bodies breaking down under the strain. And when the truth finally came out, Kael had skillfully shifte

tly, my heart aching with the memory of Ezra

on unreadable. His grey eyes flicked toward me, and for a moment, our gazes locked. There was something in his eyes, a flicker of understanding, as i

d down from the stage. I stayed in my seat, my mind racing as I tried to figure out my next move. The d

e Alaric standing beside me, his smirk as infuriating as ever. "Impressive, isn't he?" he

ximity. "He certainly knows how to work a cr

ze searching. "And what about you, Dove

uickly masked it with a shrug.

sending a shiver down my spine. "Yo

ut through the air. "Lilac," he said, his tone warm but with an

roat, but I forced a smile as I stood. "Kael," I said, my voice steady despite the nerv

spicion that made my skin crawl. "Thank you," he said, his gaze

light but laced with challenge.

s that made the air feel heavy. I glanced between them, my min

ion softening. "Lilac, I'd like you to join me for a me

t, I realized. Kael was testing my loyalty, seeing how far he could pu

d, forcing a smile

met mine, and for a moment, I felt a flicker of hope. He was watching me, his expr

ht, my resolve hardening, I wo