Thora's POV: I felt his eyes on me when he turned his head. Pressing my lips together, I ignored the torn wound across my side and slowly pulled on the shirt. As a warrior of the apocalypse, I had suffered injuries far worse than this. The pain was nothing. But I had to get back to Silverleaf Pack right away. My grandfather had named me as the next Alpha. The rest of the pack would love nothing more than to see me die out here. If I delayed any longer, trouble was sure to follow. The man watched me the entire time as I slipped into the oversized dress shirt. His brows drew together like he was trying to figure me out. The shirt was far too big on me, hanging loose, but it still looked better than my shredded, bloodstained school uniform. "All right. I'm done. I'm leaving now," I told him, staring straight at him. If he went back on his word, I really would throw everything I had at him, even if it meant dying in the fight. But he kept his word. He only gave me a long, steady look, then stepped aside. "You can go," he said. The moment I got his permission, I hurried toward the door. But then pain shot through my broken leg. I stumbled hard, crashing onto the floor. Grinding my teeth, I pushed myself up and looked at my calf. The bone was set back in place, but every movement still sent sharp aches through me. At least I could walk—barely. I straightened, squared my shoulders, and limped toward the door. Just as I reached it, his voice stopped me. There was a hint of amusement in his tone. "Thora." I froze, frowning. Of course he knew my name. With his power, it would've been easy to find out. "Thora," he repeated, almost like he was savoring the sound of it. "We'll be seeing each other again. Very soon." That wasn't necessary. I already had enough problems. The last thing I wanted was to get tangled up with someone like him. That would only add more trouble. Leaving the grand, luxurious estate, I found a car waiting outside. "Ms. Green, I'll take you back to Silverleaf Pack," the driver said respectfully, holding the door open.I didn't refuse. I had no idea where I was or how to find the way home. Having someone drive me was the best thing that could've happened. On the ride, I kept my eyes closed, trying to rest. I could feel the driver sneaking glances at me, curious, but there was no malice in it. So I ignored him. I needed every bit of strength I could save, because once I got home there would be another battle waiting for me. The driver dropped me off at the edge of Silverleaf Pack territory, then turned and left. I followed my memory to the villa. My hand hadn't even touched the door when voices drifted out from inside. "It's been five days! Where has Thora been sneaking around without a single word?" The furious voice belonged to this body's father—Norman Green. Then Hazel's syrupy tone followed. "Dad, I saw Thora leaving with a group of rogues that day. I even heard them say something about taking a noble girl back as their plaything. "She hasn't awakened her wolf spirit. What if she really was—" Hazel's voice broke into a fake sob, as if she were so worried. Laurel Green's voice was full of fake pity, but it dripped with glee. "Oh dear, that's terrible! If Thora really fell into the hands of those vicious rogues, she's either dead or broken by now. But honestly, if something really happened to her, maybe that's for the best. Marlon always protects that useless brat. This way, you'll finally take your rightful place as the Alpha." "Watch your mouth!" Norman barked, but his tone lacked real anger. It was full of calculation instead."If she really got hurt, it'll be hard to explain to Dad. But ... if word spreads to the Council that she was ruined by rogues—or even involved with them—Dad couldn't defend her. When that happens, the position will naturally be mine." "Yes, Dad!" Hazel quickly chimed in, eager to add fuel to the fire. "I told Thora to stay away from rogues, but she never listened. She even said hanging around them was better than being treated like a failure by us. Now look at her, too ashamed to come home! I bet she did something disgusting out there." "Outrageous! Absolutely outrageous!" Norman shouted, his voice filled with disgust, not concern. "I'm going to the elders right now to report her. I'll tell them she slept with rogues and disgraced the family. We'll strip her of her status as the future Alpha immediately!" "Yes, yes, do it now! Before she comes back!" Laurel's tone turned sharp with excitement. "I've already had someone draft a disownment letter. Once the elders sign it, she'll be nothing but a homeless, half-breed stray." BANG! I couldn't listen to another word. My patience snapped. I kicked the door open. The room fell dead silent. Every single one of them froze in shock. My gaze swept slowly across their faces—my father, my sweet little stepsister, and that venomous stepmother. Then I smiled coldly. "Sorry to disappoint you all," I said, my voice cutting through the silence. "I'm alive—and I brought back proof that I'd been fooling around with the rogues."