Chapter 192

The crisp morning air carried the scent of pine and dew as Lillian stepped onto the balcony of Sebastian Blackwood’s sprawling estate. The sun had barely risen, casting a golden hue over the dense forest that bordered the property. She tightened the silk robe around her, the fabric whispering against her skin as she inhaled deeply.

Last night’s confrontation with Donovan still weighed heavily on her mind. His betrayal had been sharp, but the way Sebastian had stepped in—his dominance, his unyielding protection—had left her pulse racing in a way she hadn’t expected.

A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.

"Come in," she called, turning just as the door creaked open.

It was Evelyn, Donovan’s new mate, her expression unreadable as she lingered in the doorway. "We need to talk," she said, her voice steady but laced with something Lillian couldn’t quite place.

Lillian arched a brow. "About?"

Evelyn stepped inside, closing the door behind her. "Donovan isn’t who you think he is."

A bitter laugh escaped Lillian’s lips. "Oh, I think I know exactly who he is now."

Evelyn shook her head, her fingers twisting the hem of her sweater. "No. There’s more. He’s been working with Alpha Harrison—plotting against Sebastian."

Lillian’s breath hitched. "What?"

Evelyn’s gaze flickered to the window, as if ensuring they weren’t overheard. "He’s been feeding them information. About you. About Sebastian’s pack. Everything."

The revelation struck like a physical blow. Lillian’s fingers curled into fists, her nails biting into her palms. "Why are you telling me this?"

Evelyn hesitated, then exhaled sharply. "Because I’m done being his pawn. And if you’re smart, you’ll warn Sebastian before it’s too late."

Before Lillian could respond, Evelyn turned and slipped out the door, leaving her standing there, heart pounding.

She needed to find Sebastian. Now.

Downstairs, the mansion was already alive with activity. Servants moved with quiet efficiency, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the rich aroma of breakfast. Lillian barely registered any of it as she strode through the halls, her mind racing.

She found Sebastian in his study, his broad shoulders tense as he reviewed documents spread across his desk. The moment she entered, his head snapped up, his dark eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.

"Lillian," he said, his voice low. "What’s wrong?"

She didn’t waste time. "Donovan’s working with Alpha Harrison. He’s been leaking information about your pack."

Sebastian’s expression darkened. "How do you know this?"

"Evelyn just told me."

A muscle in his jaw twitched. "And you trust her?"

Lillian hesitated. "I don’t know. But we can’t ignore it."

Sebastian pushed away from his desk, his movements deliberate as he rounded it to stand before her. "No, we can’t." His hand lifted, fingers brushing her cheek in a gesture so tender it made her breath catch. "Thank you for telling me."

The warmth of his touch lingered even as he pulled away, his demeanor shifting into that of the ruthless Lycan chairman she knew him to be. "Marcus," he called, his voice sharp.

The door opened almost instantly, and Marcus Grayson stepped inside, his posture rigid. "Sir?"

Sebastian’s gaze never left Lillian’s. "We have a problem."

And just like that, the game had changed.