"I'm sure."
My voice remained steady. Controlled.
"I need some time alone."
"Alright. But Sophia—if you need to talk, I'm here."
"I know. Thank you."
Her footsteps retreated.
I waited until the sound faded completely, then let my head fall into my hands.
Four more weeks.
I could do this. I had to. For Alaric. For the kingdom. For every wolf who had chosen to stay and fight.
I just wasn't sure what it would cost me.
That night, I lay beside Kael and stared at the ceiling.
"You're not sleeping," he observed quietly.
"Neither are you."
"I'm worried about you." He rolled onto his side, facing me in the darkness.
"You've been different since Aldric visited. Distant."
"I'm fine."
"Sophia." His hand found mine.
"Talk to me."
I wanted to.
Wanted to pour out the truth about
