A murmur rippled through the room, their disbelief giving way to shock, their questions hanging thick in the silence. For a moment, the council—guardians of tradition, of power, and of loyalty—were speechless.
Without waiting for more protests, I continued, “I’ve already filed. All evidence has been handed over to a trusted attorney. This decision is final.” Their voices started to rise, but I don't care anymore. I’d made my decision, and there was no turning back.
As I left the council room, my phone buzzed with a message with familiar name. Cali. She wanted to meet. I almost laughed, the absurdity of it catching me off guard. She’d been bold enough to send me those videos and photos—taunting me with her place in Cale’s life. What more could she have to say? I was reluctant, but a part of me wanted to end this on my terms, to see her face as I left this chapter behind. After this, I would be free, no longer bound to her taunts or Cale’s betrayal.
When I told Jaxon on the call, he was immediately protective. “You’re not going alone,” he insisted. “Not with her.”
“Thank you, Jax,” I said quietly. “I’d like that.”