~Lucie's POV~I sat on the bed staring at Alayah who was playing with her blonde hair. I wanted nothing more than to avoid this conversation, as I'm sure you did. I let out a sigh as I closed my eyes. Why did everything have to change? Why can't it stay the same? Alayah and I had some sort of bond, different than Kaija, Dom, Hayleigh… Clarisse. Kaija could be one of my best friends, Dom could take a bullet for me, and Clarisse actually took one for me. But Alayah? She was deeper, she wasn't afraid to have her say on the things that really mattered, no matter the cost. He wasn't biased. He told it like it was, and I needed it right now. “I'm surprised you want to talk to me about this,” “You'll tell me how things are.” You won't try to sugarcoat it. I need it." “What exactly did he say?” «That I had to decide if I would accept him as my partner. Either I had to do it now or I had to refuse it. What should I do?" "As you know, I haven't met my match yet. You know what a spouse is entitled to, right?" "Of course, we all learned that early. A mate is the easiest way to break down the pack. Knock down the right one and the dominoes always fall." I said in a bitter voice towards the end. “Then why? Why is this such an effective way to bring an entire pack to its knees?” «Because a companion is someone who balances you. Maybe not all the characteristics, but enough to make a difference. They change you for the better. "Do you know what Casey was like before he met you?" “No,” “He was domineering. Protective. Controlling. He was aggressive. Not physically to anyone in the pack, but he used physical form as punishment. He doesn't... middle of paper... never changes the ending, doesn't means I can't change the beginning. Most find me stupid for even getting so involved in the fate of the wolves and the hunters. But I know the whole picture be put in place. And now the ball has been dropped, see? Your pairing with Casey was the first step." “The first step towards what?” "The first step towards ending the war between the Hunters and the Wolves. You are one of their leaders. One who will unite them before and after the end." "Why can't Casey feel it? Why didn't you let me see it?" "Because honey, Casey may not make it to the end. He can't know, but you must. Many you trust won't make it. Who does is up to you." "What should I do?" Despair rang in my voice as an uncontrollable frenzy of emotions enveloped me. “Trust me,”