Scarlett (Second Edition) by Karima Saad Usman novel Chapter 154

Chapter 154

Scarlett’s POV

My voice wavered, and I saw Clay’s face crumble further, quilt etched in every line. But I kept going, needing them to understand, once and for sti

“Why would I ever go back to a place like that? A place whers the weak are preyed upon and where Alphas would rather protect their pack members than their own mate? You let Bianca poison our bond. You chose her werd over mine, allowed the elders to frumiliate me, stood by while the park ndicated cen Why would I ever return to that life?”

Clay nodded, his face pale and full of regret. “You don’t have to stay in Redcape, Scarlett. We… we know how toxic it was for you there The Highlands. Tealberg-they’re different. Kinder. More accepting. We’ll go wherever you feel safe. Everyone who hurt your has faced justice, everyone except Timothe and Tasha. And they… they’re yours to deal with however you choose.”

His words gave me pause.

Lucian’s voice broke as he looked up at me, his eyes red and filled with a raw desperation that pulled at something deep inside me. “We’ll hand them over- Timothy, Tasha, everyone who ever hurt you. Do with them as you wish. Just… come home, Scarlett,” he said, his voice barely more than a whisper.

I felt the weight of his plea, but I kept my resolve steady, refusing to let myself be swayed by his anguish. “I won’t go back with you,” I replied, each word

slow and certain. “But I’ll help you with Garland. Once he’s taken care of, I’ll return to Keith. I promised him my loyalty, and I don’t break my promises.”

Keith exhaled quietly, relief softening his tense posture, but I could see Lucian, Maxwell, and Clay flinch as if struck. I knew my decision buurt them, yet I couldn’t give them more than I already was. Helping them defend their land was a choice, a line I had drawn. But my heart, my loyalty-those remained with

the one person who had stayed by my side.

Still, I couldn’t deny the truth. Without magic, they didn’t stand a chance against Garland. He had warriors and weapons, a force the North could not hope to match. They would be overpowered without the magic that only 1, as the last Vladislav, possessed. It was a strange feeling, knowing I was now the shield between their survival and defeat. A part of me that had been dormant stirred to life-the part that carried my father’s legacy, his strength, and his fierce

sense of duty.

Keith’s voice pulled me back, soft and unsteady. “I can’t let you go to war, Scarlett. You’re still learning; you’re not ready to wield your magic like that,” he said, fear and love blending in his gaze.

I turned to him, my resolve like iron. “This isn’t a request, Keith,” I said firmly. “You told me my father was the balance, the force that kept Garland at bay. Now that he’s gone, Garland wants to tip that balance and seize power. It’s my duty to step to his role, even if it means becoming the very thing people feared him for.” I could feel my father’s shadow, his reputation as a tyrant and a monster, and knew that to face Garland, I would need to become what he

r had once been. “It’s time to live up to my name, Keith. Time to become the monster they fear, all for the sake of peace.”

Keith looked at me, sorrow darkening his eyes, and I knew that as much as he wanted to keep me safe, he also understood there was no other choice. This was my destiny, and there was no running from it.

Lucian’s voice broke the silence, soft yet full of anguish. “If you won’t give us a chance to make things right… then leave us to our fate. I would rather die than live in a world where you’re not by my side, Scarlett.” His voice shook as he spoke, and he lowered his head, fresh tears spilling onto the ground.

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