Epilogue

Lana

I paced back and forth in my room, unable to find a moment of peace. The door was locked, and I couldn't help but glance out the window at the lush northern forest that surrounded the small town of Black Lake. The redwood trees stood tall and silent, a stark contrast to the turmoil raging inside me.

I couldn't stay here. I knew that.

I'd gotten the messages from Rowan and Jasper. The dagger was safe. Locked up. It should have been enough.

But it wasn't.

I felt like something was pulling me, tethering me to something I couldn't see. I couldn't explain it, but I knew it had everything to do with the dagger. The relic.

A sudden knock at the door made me jump. I quickly composed myself, trying to mask the storm inside as I opened it.

Rowan stood there, his eyes searching mine. "Lana, are you okay?"

I forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit restless, I guess." My answer was superficial, and we both knew it.

Rowan didn't buy it. "Lana, I need to know what's going on."

I swallowed hard, then turned, pretending to straighten my coat hanging on the hooks. "I heard the dagger is safe."

He nodded. "Not convinced?"

I opened my mouth to argue, but the words caught in my throat. I couldn't keep up the charade any longer. "I don't know, Rowan. Something about it . . . I can't explain."

Rowan's expression softened. "You don't have to explain. Just tell me what you need." His voice was gentle, a stark contrast to the commanding tone he usually used.

I hesitated, then shook my head. "I don't know what I need. I just feel like . . . like I'm being pulled in a million different directions, and I can't control it."

Rowan reached out and took my hand, his touch grounding me. "Lana, you don't have to do this alone. You have the pack. You have me."

My heart ached at his words. I wanted to believe him, but the truth was, I didn't feel like I belonged anywhere. Not with the pack, not with myself. "I'm not sure about that."

Rowan studied me for a moment, then reached into his pocket and pulled out the dagger. My eyes widened, and I stepped back.

"I know what you are, Lana." His voice was calm.

I swallowed hard."Rowan, I?—"

He held up a hand. "You don't have to explain. I understand more than you think." He placed the dagger in my hand, and I gasped as the contact sent a jolt of energy through me.

"How did you?—"

Rowan stepped back. "I don't need you to explain, Lana. I know about the Shadow Pack."

My heart pounded in my chest. "Rowan, I can't?—"

He shook his head. "Lana, I've already talked to Blake. He's ready to step in as my third. You can go."

My breath caught in my throat. "What?"

Rowan's eyes softened. "You don't have to stay, Lana. I'm not going to hold you to that. You can do what you need to do."

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. He was giving me an out, and I didn't know whether to be grateful or devastated. I nodded, unable to find the words to express the whirlwind of emotions inside me. Instead, I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around him, holding on for a moment longer than I should have.

When I finally pulled away, Rowan looked at me with an intensity that made my knees weak. "Thank you, Lana. For everything."

I opened my mouth to respond, but the words caught in my throat. He turned and walked down the steps. I watched until he pulled out of the driveway, then snatched my jacket from the hooks and slid on my shoes.

I wasn't sure what I was going to do, but one thing was clear: I couldn't stay in Black Lake.

It was late. I walked quickly, nearly jogging as I got to Callista's drive.

The light in her room was on. I knocked softly on the door, but there was no answer. I tried the handle, but it was locked. Frustration bubbled up inside me as I ran around the side of the house and found her window at the back.

It was open. "Callista?"

"Lana?" Callista squeaked.

There was a thump, then two very guilty faces peered over the sill.

Why wasn't I the least bit surprised? I held out the dagger. "If you want to get dressed, I have a proposition you might be interested in."