Marcus's offer remained in her ears—an escape, a new beginning, a life where she wouldn't have to fight for recognition all the time—but she couldn't get rid of the feeling that leaving would mean leaving the very people she had fought so hard to stand beside. Leah stood at the edge of the castle's grand balcony, looking out at the vast lands of Barduff, everything bathed in silver light from the moon.
The knowledge that she was pregnant made the decision even more difficult, so she put a hand over her belly. She was no longer the only focus of this. This was about Serafina, her child, and the pack she had grown to love in spite of its hostility to her. In her ideal world, she and Jacob would be able to stand side by side without her having to earn their love and respect. However, only decisions would create that future—dreams by themselves would not.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a firm voice. "Will you be leaving?"
Samuel was standing behind her, his face unreadable, when she turned around. Her brother had been her strongest ally and fiercest guardian, and now his amber eyes watched her intently, awaiting her response.
Leah let out a breath. "I'm not sure."
Samuel folded his arms and took a step closer. "You are aware," he stated firmly. "You've known all along. That explains your continued presence.
She looked down. Samuel, Jacob will never accept me completely. Although he claims to love me, he is unable to see past who I am. Furthermore, I'm not sure if I can wait for him to change.
Samuel rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. Jacob is an idiot. He's stuck in his own head, in his own traditions. But I've watched you, Leah. You've changed things here, whether the pack wants to admit it or not. You've earned their respect, and I don't think you're the kind of person who walks away when things get hard."
She chuckled bitterly. "Perhaps I'm sick of fighting."
A hand was placed on her shoulder by Samuel. "Then put up a fight for something important. You are carrying his child, Leah. You are already a part of Jacob's world, whether he is aware of it or not. All you need to do is choose if you want to fight for it."
Leah took a moment to close her eyes and process what he had said. In some ways, leaving would be simpler. But if she did, would she ever be able to forgive herself?
Back toward the castle she turned. Previously feeling like a prison, the walls now felt like a challenge. A position she had merited to occupy. Despite the efforts of others to deny it, it was a home she had constructed.
With a steady voice, she declared, "I'm staying."
Samuel nodded, his eyes glimmering with approval. Then, Leah, defend your position. And let them see your true self.
Her chest was full of determination. She refused to run. She refused to give up. No matter how hard she had to fight for it, she would take ownership of her future.