CHAPTER 87
Emerald stood slowly, her hand falling from Quince's now-lifeless shoulder. Her eyes stayed on his body for a moment longer, then she turned away and stepped back.
Adrien didn't say anything, but she could feel his gaze on her.
"It wasn't always like this," she said quietly.
He tilted his head.
"This pack…" she continued, voice steadier than she felt. "I used to run through these halls barefoot. Everyone knew me. People smiled when they saw me coming. My dad would lift me onto his shoulders during council meetings just to make me laugh."
Adrien remained quiet.
"I thought… when I took over, I could bring some of that joy back. Some of that warmth. But now—" She exhaled. "It's just blood and betrayal."
"You think this is your fault?"
She didn't answer.
Adrien stepped closer. "Don't do that. Don't carry blame that isn't yours."
Her eyes met his, red around the edges. "I don't know if I'm strong enough, Adrien. My father was… everything. And I'm just…"
