LOGINEvander's POV I had not meant to eavesdrop.I had only come to check on them. That was all. Just a quiet check before I retired for the night, making sure the door was secure, that Erik had settled, that Ravena was not sitting alone in the dark the way she sometimes did when the grief crept back in and she thought no one noticed.But then I heard her voice through the cracked door, and I stopped.
Ravena's POV In the days that followed, whenever Evander and I were in the same room, Erik would immediately position himself between us.If Evander tried to sit beside me, Erik would squeeze into the space, using his small body to create a barrier.If Evander reached for my hand, Erik would grab it first and hold tight.If Evander spoke to me, Erik would make those broken sounds, drawing my attention back to him.It was constant and relentless. Almost comical if it were not so heartbreaking.Evander noticed, of course. How could he not?And being the perceptive man he was, he changed his approach.He stopped moving with the commanding presence of a general and stopped filling rooms with his alpha energy.Instead, he became gentle and… soft spoken. Almost scholarly in his behaviour.He thought it would help. Thought Erik would feel less threatened.But it had the opposite effect.Erik became more agitated and fearful.He would stare at Evander with wide, terrified eyes. Like he was w
Ravena's POV I held Erik, my tears soaking into his hair."I'm so sorry," I whispered over and over. "I'm so sorry. This is my fault. All of it."Erik pulled back slightly and looked at me with those haunted eyes. Then he shook his head and reached for the paper and the brush again, his hand still trembling from exhaustion.
Ravena's POV After our discussion, Evander sent for a physician.An older man arrived within the hour, carrying a worn leather bag, and moving with the calm efficiency of someone who had seen everything.He examined Erik thoroughly, checking his injuries, his leg, his throat, his overall condition.
Ravena's POV We rode without stopping. Without rest. Without mercy for ourselves or the horses.The journey to Ironhold would normally take a full day. But we covered the distance in half that time.By the time the city walls came into view, the horses were lathered with sweat. We were exhausted, but none of that mattered.
Ravena's POV Evander's words broke something inside me.All the grief I had buried. All the pain I had locked away. All the guilt I had carried for years.It all came pouring out."My brother," I gasped between tears. "He might have left someone behind. A son. His fle
Ravena's POVI swallowed nervously. "I really don't know, Evander. I can't let her get away. I need to be very careful."The words felt small, weak. Like they didn't belong to someone who had just won a fight in front of hundreds of warriors.But Evander didn't look at me like I was weak.He steppe
Ravena's POVEvander's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Time for what, Orren? Speak clearly."Orren stepped forward, his boots scraping on the ground. He reached into his vest and pulled out a rolled piece of parchment, holding it out with both hands like it might explode. "The rogue army is on the move
Ravena's POVJust then, Astrid's finger shot out, shaking as she pointed at me. "You manipulated him," she spat. "You always did. You twisted him. Made him think he wanted you when all you ever did was trap him.""Manipulated?" I repeated, the word leaving a bitter taste on my tongue. "Is that what
Ravena's POVAstrid rolled her eyes, but her lips stayed sealed. She looked away like his words meant nothing, like she was above answering to anyone. But I noticed the slight quiver in her jaw and the way her fingers clenched into fists against the dirt.Evander straightened slowly, his gaze cutti







