Kael came back the next morning, his face carefully composed, as if yesterday’s storm hadn’t happened. He extended an invitation to join the evening’s pack celebration, assuring me that surrounding myself with others would help dull the ache in my chest.
Later, beneath the flickering light of a towering bonfire, I stood still, my gaze lost in the flames. These same flames had once lit up Caia’s joyful eyes as she danced around the fire, her laughter echoing through the clearing. Now, the only thing they illuminated was the emptiness in my arms.
Laughter rang through the night air, mingling with the scent of roasted meat and sweet wine. Voices rose in conversation, but none of them dared address me. Their eyes found me only for a second before quickly turning away. They knew what it meant when a mother was forced to live without her child.
All except her.
Celeste moved easily through the crowd, her every step graceful, her posture light with confidence. Kaiden walked beside her, clutching her hand, unaware of the storm beneath the surface. She stopped before me, eyes gleaming with rehearsed sorrow.
"It must be awfully quiet in your den without little Caia around," she said, her tone falsely sweet, laced with insincerity. "I can’t even begin to understand the pain you must feel… having your daughter taken like that. I do hope she's adjusting well with the Blood Moon Pack."
My fists clenched at my sides, nails digging so hard into my palms I nearly drew blood. My wolf was restless, pacing beneath my skin, snarling for release. But I kept still, holding myself together by threads.
Seeing that I hadn’t responded, she straightened, then clapped her hands to draw attention.
“Everyone, may I have a moment?” Her voice rang clear and sugary. “Let’s honor our Luna tonight! Because of her incredible sacrifice, we now stand safe and protected. Her daughter’s absence was not in vain—it was the act of a true leader, of a mother who placed the pack before herself.”
Applause erupted around the fire. Cheers rose from mouths that had once avoided my gaze. The same people who hadn’t dared comfort me now lifted their hands in praise as if I were some holy martyr.
And Kael? He stayed rooted beside her. Not a single word in my defense. He didn’t stop her—only nodded, silently validating her performance.
Then Celeste shifted slightly, angling herself toward him. Her voice softened, reverent.
“Our Alpha’s wisdom is unmatched,” she said, eyes warm and far too familiar as they settled on Kael. “With him leading us, I have no doubt my child will grow strong and noble, just like his father—who treats all of us like family.”
Kael’s lips curled into a smile. He reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder. That simple gesture lit a fire inside me. I let out a sharp, bitter sound that sliced through the celebration.
“How lovely,” I said, my tone sharp as shattered glass. “If you believe in sacrifice so deeply, Celeste, then perhaps it’s your turn. Why not send your son to the Blood Moon Pack next? Wouldn’t that be the ultimate show of motherly love?”
Her face faltered. The mask cracked. She tried to compose herself, but her voice trembled.
“Lyra… are you angry with me?” she asked softly. “I only meant to admire your strength. The way you've managed to keep going after… everything.”
I tilted my head slightly, my lips curving into a smile that never reached my eyes.
“Well, if you want to admire me properly, maybe you should go through the same agony. Maybe then, you'd understand what it's like.”
“That’s enough, Lyra,” Kael said suddenly, his voice tense with warning.
He wasn’t standing next to me. He wasn’t defending us. He was protecting her.
“She’s been through more than you think,” he added, as if trying to excuse her. “Let’s not be harsh.”
I stared at him, stunned at the audacity.
“Oh, so I haven’t been through enough?” I asked, my voice rising with fury. “Who was the one who had her child taken away, Kael? Who’s the one mourning while you pretend this is normal?”
He didn’t answer. He didn’t even meet my eyes. And Celeste? She smiled again. She reached forward, brushing my arm gently—mockingly.
“You’ve always been so resilient,” she whispered. “I truly hope you come to see why Kael made the choices he did.”
That was it.
My wolf growled audibly, every nerve in my body screaming. I stared at both of them. Kael saw the fire in my eyes, saw the storm rising—but when he tried to step closer, I stepped back.
He paused mid-step.
I looked him straight in the eye, my voice low, steady, final.
“You made your choice, Kael. And now, I’ve made mine.”
I would leave. I would find my daughter. And I would not stop—not for him, not for her, not for any of them.
Kael’s hand twitched, reaching out as if he’d finally realized the gravity of what was slipping away. But before he could reach me, Celeste seized his wrist gently, as if claiming him again. Kaiden wrapped his small arms around Kael’s leg, grounding him, keeping him there.
He did not follow.
He did not fight for me.
And as I walked away, each step felt heavier than the last—but I didn’t stop. Behind me, Kael watched in silence, something deep within him breaking at last.
I would make sure that pain haunted him for the rest of his life.
