Chapter 17

Shadows of Redemption

The keep’s healer’s quarters were a sanctuary of flickering candlelight and the sharp scent of herbs, but the air was heavy with tension as Aria stood by Kael’s bedside. His chest rose and fell shallowly, bandages wrapped tightly around his wounds, the healer’s hands glowing faintly with magic as she worked to stabilize him. Rollan slept in a makeshift crib nearby, his mark dim but still visible, a quiet reminder of the prophecy’s unresolved weight. Caden stood at the far end of the room, his arms crossed, his icy blue eyes fixed on Kael, though they flickered occasionally to Aria and their son.

Victor’s death at the old oak had ended the immediate threat, but the cost was etched into the silence between them. Aria’s shoulder ached from the rogue’s claw, but she ignored it, her focus split between Kael’s labored breathing and Caden’s unreadable expression. The traitor, Marcus, was locked in the cells, awaiting judgment, but the prophecy and Rollan’s mark loomed like a storm on the horizon.

The healer, a stern woman with silver-streaked hair, stepped back from Kael. “He’s stable for now,” she said, her voice low. “But the wounds are deep, and the rogue’s claws were laced with something—poison, maybe. He needs rest and time.”

Caden nodded, his jaw tight. “Do whatever it takes. He’s my Beta.”

Aria’s heart clenched at the loyalty in his voice, a loyalty she wasn’t sure extended to her anymore. She stepped closer to Kael, brushing a strand of hair from his pale forehead. “He saved us,” she whispered. “He didn’t have to.”

Caden’s gaze softened, but only slightly. “He’s loyal. Unlike some.”

The words stung, but Aria didn’t flinch. She turned to face him, Rollan’s soft breaths grounding her. “I know I broke your trust, Caden. I kept secrets, hid Rollan, hid my bloodline. But I did it for him—for us. I love you, and I’ll spend the rest of my life proving it if you’ll let me.”

Caden’s eyes searched hers, a storm of emotions raging behind them—anger, betrayal, but also something softer, something that looked like the man she’d met at the Gala three years ago. “You stole my wolf, Aria,” he said, his voice low but not cruel. “You hid my son. How do I trust you after that?”

“You don’t have to trust me yet,” she said, her voice steady despite the tears threatening to spill. “But trust that I’d die for Rollan. And for you.”

He was silent for a long moment, his gaze dropping to Rollan. The mark on their son’s arm glowed faintly, a reminder of the prophecy that still bound them. “This mark,” he said finally. “What does it mean? Is he in danger?”

Aria swallowed, glancing at the healer, who nodded and stepped out, giving them privacy. “Rosalie said it’s tied to my bloodline’s curse. It could break it—or amplify power, like Victor wanted. I don’t know how it works, but I won’t let anyone use him. Not ever.”

Caden stepped closer, his hand hovering over Rollan’s crib, hesitating before brushing the boy’s cheek. “He’s mine,” he said, almost to himself. “I’ll protect him. Prophecy or not.”

Aria’s heart ached with hope, but before she could speak, a low groan came from the bed. Kael’s eyes fluttered open, his voice weak but clear. “Aria… Caden…”

Caden knelt beside him, his expression softening. “You’re a fool, Kael. But you’re alive.”

Kael’s lips twitched in a faint smile. “Had to… protect them.” His gaze shifted to Aria, heavy with unspoken words. “Told you… I’d die for you.”

“Don’t,” Aria said, her voice breaking. “You’ve done enough.”

Caden’s eyes flicked between them, a flicker of suspicion lingering. “You knew her secrets,” he said to Kael. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Kael’s breath hitched, pain clouding his eyes. “I wanted to… but she was scared. I thought… I could protect her. Protect Rollan. I’m sorry, Alpha.”

Caden’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. “Rest. We’ll deal with this later.”

As Kael drifted back into unconsciousness, Aria met Caden’s gaze. “He’s loyal to you,” she said softly. “He risked everything for us.”

Caden didn’t respond, his eyes returning to Rollan. The silence stretched, heavy with the weight of their fractured trust. But before either could speak, a guard burst into the room, his face pale. “Alpha, the prisoner—Marcus—he’s escaped. The cells were sabotaged. We think he had help.”

Caden’s eyes blazed with fury. “Find him. Now.”

Aria’s heart sank. Marcus, the traitor, was free, and with Victor gone, he was a loose thread with dangerous knowledge. The prophecy, Rollan’s mark, her curse—none of it was resolved. She looked at Caden, his resolve a lifeline in the chaos.

“We’ll find him,” she said, her voice firm. “Together.”

Caden’s gaze met hers, and for the first time since her confession, she saw a flicker of something like partnership. “Together,” he agreed, his voice low. “But no more secrets, Aria. Or we’re done.”

She nodded, clutching Rollan’s crib, the mark’s faint glow a reminder of the battles still to come. Marcus was out there, the prophecy loomed, and Kael’s life hung in the balance. But with Caden by her side, Aria felt a spark of hope—a chance to rebuild what her secrets had broken.