I had refused every time.
But now, seeing the hopeful light in her eyes, I felt only disgust at the memory of her tears and false remorse.
I knew the Matriarch would never have chosen that name.
This was Dorian Frostclaw's doing—he delighted in taking everything that belonged to me, and he had poured poison into Selene's ear.
The Bond Severance was already certain. Let this pup carry whatever name they wished—I wanted nothing of his faithless mother's bloodline attached to my own.
"Do as you please. Call him whatever you want."
"I have only one condition: do not list me as the pup's sire. My true son's spirit would never accept it."
Selene hesitated, and guilt flickered across her gaze.
"Kael, don't worry. I only used Dorian because he shares half your bloodline. He and I never truly—"
Before she could finish, a crash echoed from beyond the door.
"You worthless cur! Who permitted you to set foot here!"
Dorian Frostclaw had been thrown to the ground, his eyes blazing red with barely contained wolf-light.
"I only wanted to see the pup."
Matriarch Aurelia struck him repeatedly with her walking staff, each blow sharp and unforgiving.
"Get out!"