Epilogue (Tessa)

“Mom… Dad… I don’t want to be the next Alpha.”

The words fell from Jace’s mouth like stones into a still pool—small at first, then widening ripples through every soul in the room. His voice trembled, but there was steel under the shaking. The truth had weight; it landed and would not be pulled back.

“It’s not for me,” he continued, eyes fixed on his father as if daring the world to argue. “I’m s