Nyla's heart pounded as she watched Miracle's smirk fade under the steady gaze of the pack guards. The tension in the clearing was thick enough to cut with a knife.
"I'm not here to fight you, Miracle," Nyla said firmly, stepping forward with courage she barely felt. "But I won't back down either. Damon chose me for a reason. I belong here."
Miracle's eyes flashed with anger. "You don't belong anywhere but the shadows, pretending you understand what it means to be part of this pack."
Damon stepped between them, his presence commanding and calm. "Enough," he said, voice like steel. "This is my pack, and I decide who stands by my side. Miracle, I've always cared for you, but my heart belongs to Nyla now. If you can't accept that, you leave me no choice."
Miracle's jaw clenched, but she held her ground. "This isn't over, Damon. Not by a long shot."
The guards closed ranks around Nyla, their silent vow to protect clear. Nyla looked to Damon, grateful for his unwavering support, but a new fear took root — this fight would be more dangerous than she ever imagined.
Later that night, as the moon bathed the pack's territory in silver light, Nyla lay awake, the weight of the day pressing down on her. Damon's hand found hers in the dark, a silent promise that whatever came next, they would face it together.
---