THE FIGHT Kieran's POV "...Fine. You can have Elara. Just let my mother go." Magnus narrowed his eyes, suspicion darkening his face. "So easily?" he sneered. "You'd hand her to me without a fight? You expect me to believe that, Pup?" My mother's head snapped up, fire flashing in her eyes despite her frailty. "Kieran, no!" she shouted, her voice hoarse but unyielding. "You will do no such thing. How can you give that little girl, your mate, to this monster of a man because of me? Do not shame yourself like this!" The words tore at me. "I can't lose you again, Mum," I said, the words barely audible, but I hoped they carried enough weight. "Not after everything." It was the truth, layered over the lie. Losing her once had nearly destroyed me. Losing her again would, and Magnu

