Page 38 of Sins of His Wrath

Footsteps approached, whirled just as Mama entered, Papa right behind her.

His expression was dark with fury. “What have you done, Naraya?” he growled.

“Where is Mother Freya?” Naya asked, gesturing to the room. “Did you move her?”

“No,” Mama said, frowning. “She’s gone.”

Naya stared at her. “Gone?”

“She’s a powerful Omega, Naya. We couldn’t have held her if we tried. She came at my urgent request, but she wouldn’t have stayed—not with war coming. Why do you need her?”

Naya’s stomach sank. “She’s the only one who can help me.” Her legs felt weak. She dropped onto the edge of the bed, pressing a hand to her forehead. “Where do I find her?”

“In the wastelands, most likely,” Mama said. “At the Omega Compound. But you can’t get there easily. It takes practice.”

Fuck. Naya had never traveled there before. She couldn’t risk going there if she wasn’t sure she’d be back within an hour.

“Wait,” Papa ordered. “Tell us what’s happening. What did you say to that bastard?”

Naya exhaled sharply, then haltingly told them about Akoro’s demands, the deadline, the impossible choice she had made.

When she finished, Papa just stared at her, horrified.

“No.” His voice was low, lethal. “You’re not doing it, Naya. It’s a trick. What happens if you don’t solve it? What happens if he refuses to let you leave? And what happens if youdosucceed and he finds a different reason to start a war?”

His hands fisted at his sides. “He has too much power in this arrangement.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Naya said, her voice clipped. “The point is to buy you time. At best, there will be no war, and I’ll return. At worst, you’ll have time to build a stronger defense. You can work with the other rulers, fortify the empire, protect the most vulnerable.” Her eyes flicked to Mama. “Add to the troops. Strengthen the borders. You’ll have a better chance to prepare.”

“But what about magic?” Mama said. “We’re still no closer to?—”

“Find Mother Freya,” Naya said. “Get her to help the Omegas reconnect with their magic. It’ll be something.”

Papa’s voice sharpened. “So you’re sacrificing yourself for the empire?”

Naya inhaled. “This is my way, Papa,” she said quietly. “A prolonged war will destroy us, especially if we don’t have time to prepare. I’m doing what I can to save as many lives as possible. It’s the right thing to do.” She turned back to Mama, who was watching her closely. “Is this what you meant, Mama?”

Mama sighed. “Offering an alliance to help them was a good idea, Naya. But….” She hesitated. “Fourteen days… I don’t see how that’s long enough.”

Papa’s head snapped toward her, his voice thunderous. “You told her to do this?”

Mama met his glare without flinching. “He’s her mate, Drocco.”

Papa scowled. “So? That didn’t stop him from carving up her fucking face.”

Mama’s jaw tightened. “It makes a bigger difference than you think.” She turned back to Naya and placed her hands gently on either side of her face. “You are a born leader, Naya.” Her voice was soft, urgent. “Just don’t overthink this. Stay calm. Keep following your instincts.”

She let her thumbs stroke over Naya’s cheeks. “Discard everything you’ve learned about magic and just follow your instincts. Focus on anything in him that makes him a good Alpha—don’t make it about the empire, make it about helping an ally who doesn’t know they’re an ally yet. He will see the value eventually.”

Naya nodded, but Papa was agitated. He exhaled and started pacing, his fists and his jaw clenching.

Naya shook her head. “I can’t use it if I’m going to abide by what he said.” Her voice lowered. “Besides, with the charm bracelet on, I can’t access magic either.”

Mama nodded, worry in her eyes. “Then take it as a precaution. Be careful, Naya.”

“Why did you tell him to remove my wound, Mama? You interfered with?—”

“I know, I know. I had to take the risk. Listen to me.” Mama’s thumbs stroked her cheeks again, her brown eyes serious, filled with urgency. “If all else fails, he will keep you. If he was kind during your heat, he will want you as his Omega. Stay alive and look for opportunities to get back.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Don’t do anything that will get you killed.”

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