Cassian’s lips curled into a snarl, his wolf barely restrained beneath the surface.
“The truth? What truth could you possibly have that isn’t another lie?” His fists clenched tighter, his muscles coiling like a predator ready to strike.
“Cassian, stop!” Lyra interjected, stepping between them. Her silver eyes were wide with desperation, her voice trembling but resolute. “Please. He’s here to help.”
“To help?” Cassian’s laugh was sharp and humorless, cutting through the clearing like a blade. “The only thing he’s ever helped with is getting us all killed. And you’re defending him?”
Lyra flinched but held her ground.
“He knows things we don’t,” she said quickly. “About Misery. About the King. We need answers, and he has them.”
Cassian’s fury boiled over. “The only thing we need from him is his head,” he snarled, lunging forward.
In an instant, he was on Adrian, his speed enhanced by his wolf form. Adrian grunted as Cassian tackled him to the ground, the impact reverberating through the clearing.
Dirt and leaves scattered as they hit the earth, Cassian pinning Adrian beneath him with predatory precision. His claws dug into Adrian’s shoulders, his golden eyes blazing with unbridled rage.
“You’ve had your chance to run, bloodsucker,” Cassian growled, his voice low and dangerous. “Now you pay.”
Adrian winced but didn’t fight back, his expression remaining calm despite the pressure bearing down on him.
“I didn’t come here to fight,” he said quietly, his voice steady. “I came to help.”
“You think I care why you’re here?” Cassian snarled, leaning closer. His fangs glinted in the moonlight, his wolf form pressing against his human skin. “You should’ve stayed gone.”
“Cassian, stop!” Lyra’s voice rang out again, sharper this time. She stepped forward, her hands raised. “This isn’t helping!”
Cassian’s head snapped toward her, his gaze wild and filled with fury.
“He doesn’t belong here, Lyra,” he growled. “He’s playing you, and you’re too blind to see it.”