The worst part about betrayal isn't the shock.
It's realizing the signs were always there, and you just chose not to see them.
Thorne's smile widened as the reality of his words settled over the battlefield. Around us, defenders were processing what they'd just heard. A council member openly declaring allegiance to the enemy who'd been trying to kill us for weeks.
My wolf snarled, ready to tear into him. Through the bond, Darius's wolf answered with matching fury.
"How long?" I asked, keeping my voice steady despite the rage building. "How long have you been feeding information to Gideon?"
"Long enough." Thorne shrugged like we were discussing weather, not treason. "Since before your little bond ceremony, certainly. Someone had to ensure proper pack hierarchy would be maintained."
Darius moved. Not a full attack, just a half-step forward that put him between Thorne and me. Protective instinct overriding everything else.
