Celeste’s child… wasn’t just hers.
He was Kael’s too.
All the pieces snapped into place—his protectiveness, his refusal to include the boy in any bargain, his constant defense. He hadn’t spared Caia to protect Celeste’s son.
He had spared his son.
He hadn’t just betrayed me tonight. He had been betraying me for years.
Kael came back the next morning, his face carefully composed, as if yesterday’s storm hadn’t happened. He extended an invitation to join the evening’s pack celebration, assuring me that surrounding myself with others would help dull the ache in my chest.
Later, beneath the flickering light of a towering bonfire, I stood still, my gaze lost in the flames. These same flames had once lit up Caia’s joyful eyes as she danced around the fire, her laughter echoing through the clearing. Now, the only thing they illuminated was the emptiness in my arms.
Laughter rang through the night air, mingling with the scent of roasted meat and sweet wine. Voices rose in conversation, but none of them dared address me. Their eyes found me only for a second before quickly turning away. They knew what it meant when a mother was forced to live without her child.
All except her.