~Ezra POV~
The temple's air was thick with magic, and Annalyn's vision accusing me of betrayal hit like a claw to the chest. Her eyes were wide, the focus stone glowing red-hot in her hand, while Lucas, Calix, and Matteo turned on me, their wolves snarling. My runes were buzzing, my own wolf pacing, and the sting of Lira's spirit lingering in the shadows wasn't helping. I had to shut this down fast, or we'd fracture right here, with the council's trap closing in.
"I'm not betraying you!" I snapped, stepping back, my runes flaring. "The vision's a trick—Elias is screwing with your head, Annalyn!"
Lucas growled, his fists clenched. "You heard her, Ezra. You're handing over scrolls to the council. Explain that!"
I raised my hands, my voice steady. "I haven't touched those scrolls since Lira. The council's using her spirit to mess with us—divide and conquer."
Annalyn's eyes narrowed, the stone pulsing. "Then why'd I see you? Clear as day, Ezra."
