"I'm ready," she simply said.
Ares raised an eyebrow slightly, a gesture that seemed almost amused. "Ready for what, exactly?"
"I'm ready to go with you. To leave everything behind. To sacrifice my life if you need me to." Emerald's voice was steady, though her hands trembled slightly at her sides. "But first, you have to help me resolve all the problems I'm facing. You have to help me save my pack."
Ares let out a low, almost condescending laugh. "You seem to have forgotten something, little wolf. I owe you no favors. Rather, you owe me. You made a promise, and I've come to collect it."
"I know," Emerald said quickly, taking a breath to steady herself. "And this time, I won't make a fuss, I promise."
"Are we still promising?" His tone was mocking, but there was something darker underneath it.
