temporary cabin. Inside the dimly lit room, Kael stood still, his gaze fixed on Ar

d in blood. Now, she stood tall. Not a scratch on her

eyes. "Aria... wha

al this fast? Even our strongest healers woul

father's warning echoed in her mind. Don't re

I was lucky," she whispe

He stepped closer. "D

tion. "Kael, please... don't force me to speak. I j

wanted to be angry, to tear the world apart for the secrets she was h

he growled. "And one day, t

etter it takes me... than

n above swayed gently, casting long shadows against the stone walls. Inside, Gerrard sat bound, face b

voice flat but heavy. "What really happened? How

f until they were eye to eye.

w you're hiding something," Kael continued, his voice tighte

ed further. "...a

when Kael grabbed his collar and ya

now," he said calmly,

o a growl. "What is so important

ly. "And I'd rather be torn apart than watch h

ut he got something worse. A confirmation. Aria wasn't just anyone. And if h

's roar but a man desperate to understand. "But I can't protect what I

t what he said. But even love, he knew, could becom

rrard rasped. "But you still have

l f

she's my daughter forever caught in the crossfire. You don't

truck harder than any physical blow.

to learn. To accept her. To protect her fr

ing eyes with him once more.

e said at last. "N

fs, Maeron stood before the elders and his loyal fo

e declared. "How can we trust an Alpha wh

Doubt flickered i

" one whispered. "Or tainted by

orthy, let him prove it, under the ful

down the stone corridor. Kael emerged. Dust clung to his coat, his eyes blazing l

el's voice cut cold and sharp. "I d

the Purification is your test of an Alpha's w

expected Kael to arrive le

e of you, Maeron. I do it for the pack. For their trust. And for

He hadn't said her name, but al

moon veiled by thick clouds. In the center of an ancient squar

e spirits of the ancestors watching... we o

r. Mist began to rise like the breath of the astral world awakenin

d to face your rage. Trial of Soul to confront your sha

Kael's side, r

y the Alpha may enter," he said coldly

in there!" R

," the elder replied, "then

ust once. "Don't w

cient. Whispering. The leaves trembled without wind. The trees seemed to p