"He didn't kill me," the father said, looking at his daughters. He coughed again, a wet, rattling sound, but he managed a weak smile. "He made me vanish. He wanted me to watch. He wanted me to see the end of everything and know I couldn't stop it." Silvia broke first. She ran to him, her cry of "Dad!" echoing through the clearing. She collided with him, her head burying in his chest, and for a moment, the Alpha winced, but he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight. Ashley finally felt her knees buckle. She sank to the grass, the reality of it hitting her like a physical blow. He wasn't dead. The grief that had been tearing her apart was based on a lie—a cruel, calculated trick meant to shatter the spirit of the pack by breaking their leader. Her father looked over Silvia’s shoulder, his gaze finding Ashley. He didn't look at her with pity. He looked at her with an awe that made her feel seen in a way she never had before. "I saw it," he said, his voice gaining a bit of str
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