We walked out together, the rest of the council following close behind.
The pack formed a loose circle around us as Aldric stopped twenty feet away.
"Brother," Aldric said. His voice was exactly like Kael's but rougher, worn down by guilt and poor choices.
"You've got balls showing your face here," Marcus growled.
Aldric ignored him, his focus locked entirely on Kael. "I know you have no reason to listen to me. But I have information about Seraphine's plan. And..." He drew a breath. "I want to help stop her."
"Why the sudden change of heart?" Liana called out.
"Because I finally understand what real power is." Aldric's gaze shifted to me, lingering on the way Kael stood slightly in front of me, protective. "It's not a throne. It's not a crown. It's having something worth dying for."
