(Kaelan's POV)
The door closed softly.
I just stood there, watching Rhea leave, her faint footsteps echoing down the apartment hallway. There was no slammed door, no wolf’s roar, just silence—one that hurt more than the thousands of battles I’d fought before.
She chose to leave.
Not because I wasn’t strong enough to stop her, but because I chose to let go. Forced. Not forcing her to stay… but forcing myself to hold back.
“Brilliant move,” Callum’s voice cut through my thoughts. “You just let go of the only reason the Elders haven’t dragged you into their court yet.”
I spun around fast, glaring at him. “Don’t start, Callum.”
“Start? I haven’t even said half of what I want to say.” He scoffed, then shut the door that was still ajar. His voice bounced off the living room walls, making
