LOGINFor a beat, no one spoke. Then, he lowered Kaelani gently until her feet touched the ground, but he didn’t let go—his fingers slipping into hers, holding on like it was the most natural thing in the world. Kaelani’s gaze dropped to their hands. The contact stilled something inside her. No one ha
“You do.” He let his gaze drop—just for a second—to the space between them, the inches that still separated them. Then back to her. “But I meant it when I said I’d never leave you again… that was real.” A brief pause—not for effect, but because he meant it. “Not when it’s hard. Not when it’s me
Kaelani’s smile hit him harder than anything else had. For the first time, it was meant for him. Julian stepped into the room, closing the door quietly behind him and shutting out everything beyond it—the chaos, the noise, all of it. In here— was his peace. His heart. His whole world. He move
The room. The light. The faces. A breath caught in his chest. “Kaelani…?” His focus sharpened. His room. His packhouse. Familiar walls and scent. But something was wrong. His gaze moved quickly—his mother at his side, Jace by the window. No Kaelani. Julian pushed himself upright, pain tear
She didn’t look at him. “Julian Hale… fugitive status removed.” Another keystroke. “Jace Romano… fugitive status removed.” Her fingers paused for a fraction of a second before continuing. “Garrick Blake… charges dropped.” A quiet tap followed. “Release scheduled for… tomorrow morning.” Then—
A brief pause. “Am I wrong?” Councilor Voss didn’t answer. He simply watched her for a moment longer before speaking. “What is it that you want?” Kaelani held the room for a moment. “What I wanted the day I stood before you in the Chamber of Elders,” she said. “What I asked for then.” “To liv
The trees thinned as they crossed the old threshold into Blackthorn territory, the familiar scent of pine and ash settling like ghosts on Julian’s skin. He hadn’t been home in a week, but it already felt foreign. Too quiet. Too steeped in judgment. The gates opened for them. No fanfare. No welcome
And Vanessa—Julian’s mother—brought a hand to her lips. Not in horror, not in outrage, but in something deeper. Her expression softened, eyes shining with a sudden, quiet gravity as she looked at her son—like she was seeing a truth she hadn’t dared hope for. James didn’t miss a beat. “It doesn’t m
Julian’s voice was steady. “Understood.” Jace nodded beside him. “Understood.” The elder leaned forward slightly, gaze like a blade. “Furthermore, should either of you become aware of the whereabouts of the fugitive—now officially registered as Kaelani Blake of the Silveredge Pack—you are to repor
“I killed them. I killed them all.” The courtyard fell deathly silent. Kaelani’s heart sank. Her head shook once—then again, harder. Disgust. Disbelief. Denial. All of it. “No…” she whispered. “Why? Why would you do that?” Nymera’s grin stretched, her teeth gleaming like a predator’s. “Oh, beli







