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.
Celeste moved easily through the crowd, her every step graceful, her posture light with confidence. Kaiden walked beside her, clutching her hand, unaware of the storm beneath the surface. She stopped before me, eyes gleaming with rehearsed sorrow.
"It must be awfully quiet in your den without little Caia around," she said, her tone falsely sweet, laced with insincerity. "I can’t even begin to understand the pain you must feel… having your daughter taken like that. I do hope she's adjusting well with the Blood Moon Pack."
My fists clenched at my sides, nails digging so hard into my palms I nearly drew blood. My wolf was restless, pacing beneath my skin, snarling for release. But I kept still, holding myself together by threads.
Seeing that I hadn’t responded, she straightened, then clapped her hands to draw attention.
“Everyone, may I have a moment?” Her voice rang clear and sugary. “Let’s honor our Luna tonight! Because of her incredible sacrifice, we now stand safe and protected. Her daughter’s absence was not in vain—it was the act of a true leader, of a mother who placed the pack before herself.”