Third Person's POV The hospital room was in utter chaos. Riley took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. Her eyes turned sharply to the doctor. "Doctor, why can't Tessa speak?" The physician did another round of quick checks. "Physically, her condition is stable," he explained. "But after five years in a vegetative state, her neural and language systems have significantly degenerated. It's completely normal that she can't speak right away. With rehabilitation, she'll recover the ability to talk." So that was it. Ronan Duskcliff and the others finally let out the breath they had been holding. But Riley stood there, as if thunderstruck. She could wait-but Scarlett wouldn't. Scarlett would do everything in her power to silence Tessa before she could fully recover. If anything happened to Tessa during this fragile period, Riley knew she'd be the first one blamed. No matter what it took, the truth had to come out today. She turned and looked toward Scarlett. As expected, the she-wolf had visibly relaxed. Her lowered eyes darted rapidly as if scheming her next move. Riley clenched her jaw. Scarlett. Today, I'll make sure you never rise again. Her mind worked fast-seconds later, she had a plan. She stepped toward Tessa's bed, ready to act, but just as she reached out, Ronan moved to block her path, eyes dark with warning. "Riley, what are you trying to do now?" Riley looked him square in the eye, her voice unwavering. "I know how to get Tessa to tell us who lured her into the Black Forest and left her for the rogues." Ronan froze. For once, he didn't know whether to believe her. Kael Vale stepped forward and grabbed Riley's arm. "Riley, enough. Tessa's awake and that's all that matters. Let's not dwell on what happened earlier. We'll drop the accusation-you almost strangled her, but we'll let it go."Maddox approached as well, sighing. "Riley, after everything, you should know better. Apologize to Tessa and Scarlett, and let's end this here." Riley's gaze turned cold as she stared at her older brother and her first love-both of whom she now loathed more than anyone. An Alpha and a Lycan Tribunal member-wolves who should represent justice and wisdom. And yet, when it came to Scarlett, they abandoned all reason. "You two pretend to be objective, but all you're doing is shielding Scarlett. What? Are you that afraid I'll expose her for what she really is in front of everyone?" "Riley!" Kael snapped, raising his voice. But hers cut back louder. "Shut up, Kael!" Maddox stepped forward, but she turned on him like a storm. "And you-don't you dare speak. The two of you have no right to lecture me. You don't get to decide what I do next." "Push me one more time, and I swear I'll slap you both just to make myself feel better." Kael and Maddox's expressions soured, clearly humiliated. But they knew what Riley was capable of. If they kept pushing, they'd only embarrass themselves further. Without hesitation, Riley shoved Scarlett toward Tessa's bed. The moment Tessa laid eyes on Scarlett, her already pale face drained of all color. Her body trembled uncontrollably, and her eyes filled with a terror and hatred so intense, it was almost tangible. Anyone with half a brain could see it-there was no affection, no trace of friendship in her eyes. Only raw fear and fury. Ronan's brow furrowed. "Tessa? What's wrong?" "What's wrong?" Riley scoffed. "She's looking at her would-be killer. That's what's wrong." "Stop slandering her!" Kael barked again. "We'll see if I'm slandering anyone," Riley replied, her eyes flashing with confidence. She looked back at Tessa, her tone soft but firm. "Tessa, I know you can't speak yet, and I'm not asking you to. All I need is your eyes. If what I say is correct, blink once. If I'm wrong, blink twice. Blink once now if you understand." Tessa blinked once, clearly and deliberately.A victorious smile broke across Riley's face. Scarlett, your end starts now. Scarlett's heart began to race. "Sister... I-I'm not feeling well. I need to see a doctor." Riley ignored her entirely. Mia stepped in without a word and helped Riley hold Scarlett in place. Then, Riley asked clearly, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade, "Five years ago, the day Ebonclaw Pack threw a celebration for Scarlett's enrollment-was it me who lured you into the Black Forest?" Tessa looked straight into Riley's eyes, guilt swimming in her gaze. Then she blinked-twice. Without a trace of hesitation. Ronan stood frozen, as if lightning had struck him. It wasn't her? It... really wasn't Riley?