But clearly, I was wrong.
"It’s not what you think," he muttered.
"Then explain it," I said through clenched teeth. "Tell me why you didn’t protect our daughter. Tell me why you didn’t offer her son, whose father remains a mystery."
Kael’s eyes snapped up, anger flickering in them. "You don’t speak about him like that."
My voice came out flat, drained of emotion. "You're unbelievable."
The fury simmering inside me solidified into something cold and dangerous.
"I'm going to bring Caia back."
His face twisted in alarm. "Don’t be foolish, Lyra. We have peace here. We’ve finally established a home. Don’t ruin that because of your emotions."
I stared him down, my voice frigid. "What good is a home if my child’s not in it?"
I walked away, not once looking back.
I knew where to go.
The weaponsmith lived on the outskirts, an old wolf whose hands had seen war. He didn’t ask why I came, only studied my face with knowing eyes.
“I need a sword,” I told him.
He gave one nod. “Come back at nightfall. It’ll be ready.”
I turned around and made my way through the woods, heading back toward the den to gather what I needed. I cut through the path near Celeste’s dwelling. That’s when I heard it.