Chapter 22

VALERIA’S POV The moment I felt the crushing weight of my opponent's arms around my neck, I knew I was at my limit. My vision blurred, dark spots danced before my eyes, and every muscle in my body screamed in agony. But I couldn’t give up—not here, not now. Not after Elijah’s taunt about my soul accepting slavery. I had fought too hard to leave one cage behind; I refused to step into another, even if it was of my own making. A scream erupted from deep within me, a raw, primal sound I didn’t recognize. It tore through my throat, growing louder and louder until it became deafening even to my own ears. The arms around me slackened and then fell away completely. My knees hit the ground, but I barely registered the impact. Gasping for air, I turned to face my attacker, only to find not just him, but everyone—wolves and spectators alike—writhing on the ground. Their hands clutched at their heads, faces twisted in pain, as if they were being torn apart from the inside. “What’s happening?” I w