?Chapter 1081:


    The situation had deteriorated beyond salvaging—a dangerous precipice for both Jett and every soul within Marehelm’s walls.


    After hesitating for a few seconds, Jett broke the silence. “If surrendering myself to the Wizard n guarantees the citizens’ safety, then I’ll go willingly. Their target is clearly me, and I refuse to let my presence endanger more innocent lives.”


    “No!” The word erupted from my lips before I could contain it, my heart constricting painfully in my chest.


    My own vehement reaction startled me, yet somewhere deep within, I knew I couldn’t bear watching Jett sacrificed like this.


    Jett’s head snapped up, surprise shing across his features as his prating gaze locked onto mine. Something raw flickered behind his eyes.


    In that suspended moment, I glimpsed a kaleidoscope of emotions swirling in those depths.


    Drawing a steadying breath into my lungs, I fought topose myself.


    I turned to address the assembled group, my voice low but unyielding. “Jett has risked everything for our sake. Without him, I would have perished long ago. And without Jett’s intervention, would we have thwarted Cody’s ns and killed him? He’s gambled his very existence defending werewolves. To surrender him now feels like the cruelest betrayal!”


    Dayton’s shoulders sagged beneath an invisible weight.


    With a bitter sigh, he countered, “Is fairness what we should measure now? Aren’t the countless souls dwelling within Marehelm’s walls equally deserving of protection? Moreover, Jett stands as royalty among the Wizard n. Our options have dwindled to none. Should we defy the Wizard n’s ultimatum, the devastation would eclipse anything we’ve witnessed before.”


    Dayton’s words struck me silent, my fists clenching until my knuckles whitened beneath my skin.


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    His logic wasn’t entirely wed, and yet…


    My eyes locked with Dayton’s in fierce determination as I countered, “We always have a choice! Jett isn’t some dispensable pawn in this game. He’s mypanion, and I refuse to abandon him on mere threats!”


    A shadow of displeasure darkened Dayton’s features at my outburst, though he maintained his gaze, waiting for me to continue.


    “Furthermore, if we surrender to the Wizard n’s intimidation tactics,” I pressed on, “what bes of our werewolf pride? We werewolves have never cowered before powerful enemies, so why should we retreat when our courage matters most?”


    Heat flooded my cheeks as passion fueled my words.


    Dayton parted his lips, poised to interject, but I cut through his attempt without hesitation. “Enough! I won’t forsake Jett, regardless of your arguments. My resolve stands unshaken!”


    Gratitude shimmered in Jett’s eyes as he regarded me.


    Then, with solemn dignity, he shook his head. “To preserve countless lives, I’ll face whateveres. I cannot bear watching this city and its people suffer because of me.”


    “Jett…” The words caught in my throat as emotion flooded my eyes with crimson urgency. I lunged forward, voice quivering with desperation. “Are there truly no alternatives? There must be another path we can pursue!”


    Sensing the mounting tension between Dayton and myself, Dominic intervened with perfect timing.


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