CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND SIXTY FOUR - Secrets Unveiled

Erik's eyes narrowed. "Go on." "We... they... thought that by harnessing certain magical artifacts, we could enhance our abilities. Become strong enough to no longer hide in the shadows." Rowan's voice shook slightly. "One of these artifacts was the Nordyl gem." Anna gasped. "The gem that was stolen from that mage in Norway? The one Greta had?" Rowan nodded miserably. "Yes. I was part of the team that stole it." The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. Erik's face was a mask of cold fury. "You brought this danger to our door," he growled. "You've put my entire pack at risk." "I'm sorry," Rowan pleaded. "I realized how wrong it was, what we were doing. I tried to leave, to distance myself from them. But they don't let people walk away. That's why they attacked my pack, why they're hunting me now. They think I might expose them." Anna's mind was reeling. She wanted to believe Rowan, to think that he was truly repentant, but the magnitude of his deception was stag