?Chapter 343:

    “Fine,” I said grudgingly. “Start by telling me everything. No more secrets. No more excuses.”

    He nodded, his expression serious. “Anna Thane was working with someone. We don’t know who yet, but we’re going to find out. And when we do, they’ll pay.”

    I studied him, searching for any sign of deception. But all I saw was raw determination.

    “Good,” I said finally. “Because if theye after me again, I’ll make sure they regret it.”

    La growled in agreement. “Damn right we will.”

    Ryder’s lips twitched into a small smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

    “Rest,” he said softly, stepping back. “We’ll figure this out. Together.”

    I didn’t respond. I watched him leave, unable to shake the feeling that things were far from over.

    And whoever this “real viin” was, they’d just made the biggest mistake of their life.

    RYDER’S POV

    Walking into that room, my heart was pounding in my chest so loud it drowned out every other sound. It wasn’t fear—not this time at least. I’d long since learned to conquer my fears. Instead, it was anticipation, hope, and something I couldn’t quite name, building up inside me like a volcano ready to erupt.

    Jasmine was fucking awake.

    For the past few days, I’d barely left this ce, watching over her like a hawk, every second stretching into eternity as I waited for her to open those damn beautiful eyes. And now, she was sitting up, alive and healthy.

    My mate. My wife. My addiction.

    She’s awake.

    I swear, I could’ve dropped to my knees right there and thanked the moon goddess for this moment. Seeing her, so full of life, even after everything she’d been through, made me fucking excited.

    Don’t miss it: g?lиov???.cоm

    I’d won in life. That’s what it felt like. Nothing else mattered—not the enemies breathing down our necks, not the darkness constantly circling us. Nothing.

    Just her.

    But then she looked at me.

    Her eyes, always so sharp and filled with fire, were clouded with something I couldn’t quite name. She said my name, low and using, and the relief I felt only seconds before was immediately reced by a sinking feeling in my gut.

    “Jasmine,” I breathed, crossing the room in three long strides. I wanted to touch her, to feel her warmth and remind myself that she was really here, really okay.

    She held up a hand before I could get too close, her eyes narrowing.

    “Don’t,” she snapped, her tone sharp enough to cut through steel. “What the hell happened? And don’t even think about sugarcoating it.”

    I froze. My heart was still racing, but now it was for an entirely different reason. This wasn’t the reunion I’d been imagining. This wasn’t her falling into my arms, telling me she was d to be alive.

    This was anger.

    No. This was something else.

    I swallowed hard, nodding. “You were attacked,” I started, keeping my voice steady even though my insides were a damn mess. “Luna Anna Thane was behind it. She’s… gone now. She won’t be a problem anymore.”

    Her eyes widened, but instead of relief, there was something cold and distant in her gaze. She crossed her arms over her chest, tilting her head like she was waiting for more.

    “Great,” she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “So, what? You just killed her and called it a day?”

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