Freya's POV The heat of his body lingered on my skin long after I pulled away, his lips still a burning imprint in my mind. Silas's chest rose and fell in ragged waves, and I could feel the feral strength coiling beneath his skin even in unconsciousness. My hand still tingled from the contact, as if his Alpha presence had branded me. I took a deep breath and acted quickly. His voice, thick and ragged, had barely trailed off when I moved, the motion precise and practiced-one sharp strike to his temple. Silas went limp instantly, collapsing against me, the weight of his powerful form surprisingly heavy despite his feverish state. My heart pounded, not just from the adrenaline, but from the undeniable heat emanating from him, the sheer proximity of a wolf like Silas in such a vulnerable state. I steadied him, making sure his head was secure against my shoulder, and quickly checked the partially unfastened buttons of his shirt. The last thing I needed was him being exposed to any unnecessary danger or prying eyes. I tightened the clothing where I could, careful not to disturb him further. "Wren…" I called softly as we reached the door, the voice calm but edged with urgency. Outside, he froze. "Freya… what… what did you do?" Wren's eyes widened, and I could almost see the question lingering, unspoken yet very clear. "I knocked him out," I replied simply, my tone leaving no room for argument. "We're taking him to the hospital immediately." My eyes flicked to the surveillance cameras lining the corridor. "Have the footage deleted. Take him out the rear exit. Make sure the car is waiting back there. We don't need anyone knowing." "Yes," Wren said, relief and apprehension mixing in his voice. He motioned for the security team to assist in lifting Silas into the waiting black sedan. Every movement was careful, as if handling a priceless artifact, yet also urgent. I followed closely behind, hands hovering near Silas to react if he stirred. The rear exit opened to the car, sleek and dark, waiting like a shadow. The security team eased him onto the back seat, and Wren looked at me expectantly. "Freya… you're not coming with us?" "No," I said, shaking my head. "You have enough people to handle him. I'm not needed." "But if he wakes… and you're not there…" I cut him off, voice sharp now, a wolfish edge creeping in. "Wren, I said I'm done with Silas. I'm done being a pawn in his recklessness. Make sure he gets to the hospital safely, and leave it at that."Wren gave a rueful shake of his head. "In this world, Freya… you're the only one who can calm him. I've never seen him care like this for anyone, not like he cares for you. He would… risk his body, his life, just to see you." "I don't need reminders," I said coldly, turning away. "We're finished." With that, I left them. The click of the car door shutting behind me sounded like a small, private victory. I forced myself to ignore the pang that curled in my chest. Silas Whitmor-Alpha of the Ironclad Coalition, a wolf like no other-was being rushed to safety because I had acted when he couldn't. And yet… even now, the thought that he had risked everything to see me left a bitter edge in my stomach. I returned to Lana, who was perched near the entrance of SkyVex Armaments' offices, her sharp eyes immediately noticing my return. "Freya, why are you back?" she asked, tilting her head. "Wren and the team have Silas on his way to the hospital," I said. "I didn't need to ride with them." "Wait… he's going willingly?" I shook my head. "No. I knocked him out before he could protest. It was the only way." Lana's eyes widened, a mixture of awe and disbelief. Not many could physically take down Silas Whitmor, let alone me. "You… you actually knocked him out? In the whole Capital;, that's practically a legend. No one dares do that!" Before I could respond, a piercing scream erupted down the street. "Pervert! Security! Someone stop him!" The shrillness made my blood snap, and the low growl in my chest stirred instinctively. The sound drew a chaotic crowd-security, onlookers, and a cluster of reporters snapping photos and yelling. I followed the commotion with Lana, instinctively moving closer, wolf-senses alert. Through the mass, I spotted him: Caelum Grafton. Shirt half-torn, wild-eyed, struggling under the grip of security. The murmurs and accusations sliced through the air. "Look at him-trying to assault a woman here in broad daylight!" someone shouted. "Must be drugged or insane! There's no other explanation!" "Isn't that Caelum Grafton? The audacity!" I froze for a moment, taking in the scene. The Alpha I had once spared, the wolf I had given a chance, was being dragged away-humiliated, powerless, exposed. The sheer irony wasn't lost on me.Lana nudged closer, whispering, her eyes sparkling with wicked delight. "Do you know what happened? He tried something with the daughter of the Winslow family. The boyfriend handled him personally. Caelum's reputation is ruined for now. Even the Winslows are prominent in The Capital… he's done."