Chapter 50

• I sat on the plush sofa in the opulent foyer of ex-King Lucius' manor, my mind racing beneath my carefully maintained mental shield. Silas, masquerading as Atlas, could not know that Ashley and I had seen through his ruse. As the gathered werewolves and humans murmured in anticipation of the second trial, a sudden realization hit me like icy water - Silas had taken over Louis' body and mind because Bruce, Xavier's father, had saved Louis' dad years ago, placing a protection on him that Silas could detect in Louis as a baby, at the hospital, years ago. The pieces clicked into place with sickening clarity.
• Could Louis have been a decent person if Silas hadn't manipulated him from a young age? Is the true essence of Louis still present within him, struggling to break free from his own mind?
• Atlas strode to the front of the crowd, his voice booming. "Welcome, friends, to the second trial of the Were and Human alliance!" His eyes found mine and lingered. I forced a smile, willing my heart to slow its frantic pounding. Xavier's hand found mine, squeezing gently.