"Is it not enough that you took my husband, my people?" I demanded, anger boiling beneath my skin. "Now you want to kill me too?"
She laughed a cruel sound that echoed off the cliffs. "Yes," she admitted, her tone devoid of any remorse. "I just can't stand seeing you acting so high and mighty. Always the perfect Luna, always so beloved. But look at you now—nothing but a scared little wolf with nowhere left to run. I want you gone, Senna. Gone forever."
My heart pounded in my chest, but I didn't let her see my fear. "Do you think killing me will make you strong? You're just a coward hiding behind a pack of wolves."
Her eyes darkened, and for a moment, I saw the depth of her hatred. "No more words, Senna. Kill her!" Paige's command was sharp, her voice cutting through the night like a blade.
The wolves lunged at me in a frenzied attack, their teeth snapping, their claws slashing through the air. I fought back with everything I had, my wolf form twisting and turning as I tried to fend them off. But there were too many. They tore at my fur, their fangs sinking into my flesh. Pain exploded through me, each bite a fresh wave of agony.
My mind raced, the realization sinking in: I was going to die here. All the strength I once had, all the power I commanded as Luna, had been stripped away. When the Ironheart Pack merged with the South River Pack, I lost half of my power, weakened by the bond that had tethered me to Alpha Rennon, the man who was once my mate.
If only I had remained strong. If only I hadn't let love weaken me. But it was too late now. Regret filled my heart as I fought with the last of my strength, blood streaming from my wounds, staining the earth beneath me. I could feel my energy waning, the edges of my vision blurring as the wolves closed in for the kill.
One of them leaped at me, aiming for my throat, its eyes gleaming with the anticipation of the final blow. Desperation surged within me, and with a final burst of strength, I threw the wolf off me, creating a small opening. Without hesitation, I turned and leaped off the cliff, my body plunging into the abyss below.
The wind roared in my ears as I fell, my body twisting in the air. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the inevitable impact. Better to die on my own terms, to deny Paige the satisfaction of watching me suffer.