Staring at Jericho, I don''t know how to respond.


    The idea that I might cause more deaths moving forward is so horrifying, it''s paralyzing.


    That''s not something I ever want to happen again.


    "You have a long way to go yet before you can claim that spot by the alpha''s side. Sit up straight, girl." Jericho''s finger jabs the air, pointing right at me. "Why are you wallowing in fear instead of forging forward?"


    My mind goes blank. No words come to my defense, no clever retorts or explanations. Just... nothing, too surprised by the confrontation, too confused on where he''s trying to go with his words.


    "I came back to see the rites—"


    He slaps his thigh with a groan that sounds like it comes from the depths of his soul. "Is this the future of the Westwood Pack? We''ve gone too soft on a future Luna, I see."


    My spine stiffens at that, a spark of indignation flaring to life. But before I can grasp onto it, Jericho''s voice cracks through the room like a whip.


    "You killed eighteen people. Nearly twenty more are still in the hospital, healing. Yeah? So what?"


    Horror floods through me, dousing that tiny ember of defiance. "You shouldn''t treat their lives so lightly," I whisper. "They would still be alive if..."@@@@


    Jericho roars, the sound ricocheting off the walls, and I flinch from its volume. "I''m not taking them lightly! I''m asking you—" he leans forward, his eyes blazing, "—what are you going to do about it? Stop acting like a mouse and act like a wolf!"


    My heart hammers against my ribs. What does he want me to say? That I''m sorry? That I''ll do better? The words tangle on my tongue, trapped behind the lump in my throat.


    Somehow, I know that''s not what he wants.


    He''s looking for more.


    Jericho waits, his gaze unwavering, demanding an answer.


    Jericho''s jaw tightens, his gaze drifting back to the window. "She assumes you''ll be entering the Unregistered city."


    It''s not a question, but a statement.


    "What does she mean by applying under her grace?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.


    Jericho''s eyes snap back to mine, the intensity in them making me want to shrink back. "It means she''s offering you protection. A way in without being detected."


    Protection. The word echoes in my mind, both a promise and a threat. What would it mean to accept Sister Miriam''s grace? What would I be agreeing to?


    "Is that even possible?" I ask, my brow furrowing. "I thought the Unregistered city was impenetrable."


    Jericho''s lips twist into a wry smile, devoid of humor. "Nothing is impenetrable, girl. Not even the strongholds of the supernatural."


    I let that sink in, the weight of it settling on my shoulders like a physical burden. If Sister Miriam can get me into the Unregistered city, then maybe, just maybe, I have a chance of finding Lisa. Of bringing her home.


    But at what cost?


    Selene''s presence brushes against my mind, a gentle reminder that I''m not alone in this. We must be cautious, Ava. The vampire''s offer may come with strings attached.


    Of course it does.


    There''s no way it doesn''t.


    I can''t rush into this blindly, no matter how desperate I am to save Lisa. A deep price has already been paid. I don''t want to have that happen again.


    "What do you think I should do?" I ask Jericho, curious to his thoughts.


    He regards me for a long moment, his eyes searching mine as if he''s trying to see into my very soul. "Once you step into that world, there''s no turning back. The consequences might be more than you can bear."


    I think of Lisa, trapped and alone, waiting for someone to save her. I think of the pack, the lives lost and the ones still hanging in the balance. I think of Lucas, fighting to keep me safe, even against my will.