Chapter 66
Kael’s POV.
I sat on the bed in Aria’s room, my heart still racing from the fight with Seraphina, her slap on Aria’s cheek burning in my mind, her cries as the guards dragged her out echoing.
Aria’s hand was warm in mine, her silver hair loose, her blue eyes soft but worried, her cheek still red from the hit. Liam sat beside us, his small body leaning against me, his toy wolf clutched tight, his brown eyes bright, calling me "Big Brother" with a smile that eased my anger.
The air was cool, the torchlight flickering, the stone walls of the Shadow Claw packhouse dim, the room quiet except for Liam’s soft giggles.
My heart ached, wanting to stay here, to hold Aria, to play with Liam, to forget the elders, Nicholas, and Elijah’s death.
A sharp knock broke the silence, my heart jumping, my jaw tightening, Zeus growling, sensing duty calling.
I squeezed Aria’s hand, my voice rough. "Come in," I said, my eyes on the door, my body tensing, knowing peace never lasted.
The door creaked open, Brian stepping in, his armor glinting, his brown eyes tense, his face grim. My heart sank, my stern face hiding my wish to stay, to ignore the pack’s demands, to be with Aria and Liam.
"What do you want?" I asked, my voice hard, my eyes burning into his, my hand still holding Aria’s, her warmth grounding me.
Brian bowed, his voice low, his hands clasped. "Two elders are waiting, Alpha," he said, his eyes meeting mine, his worry clear. "In the throne chamber. They need you now." My chest tightened, my anger flaring, my heart heavy with the memory of suspending Ruth and Thomas, their cruel words, kill Sonia, enslave Liam, still stinging.
I didn’t want to go, didn’t want to face more fights, more judgments, but duty pulled, my role as Alpha heavy.
"Send them away," I said, my voice sharp, my eyes narrowing, my hand tightening on Aria’s, Liam’s small hand on my arm, his trust heavy. Brian’s face tensed, his head shaking, his voice urgent.