**Gaia’s POV**

The eastern gardens were still buzzing with tension even as the torchlight began to fade into the early dawn gray. The pack members dispersed slowly, their murmurs a mix of relief and outrage. Astrein’s command—“Exile her from the pack”—hung heavy in the air, directed at Evelyn like a final judgment. She stood frozen, her face ashen, eyes wide with disbelief and simmering fury. Vincenzo had already been led away by guards, his confession still echoing in ...