**KAIA’S POV**
The air in the training yard still smelled like sweat and dust. The last echo of my father’s commands faded into the trees, leaving only silence. The restless thrum of my wolf pacing beneath my skin. I couldn’t stand it anymore. The half-truths. The way he looked at me like I was some kind of ticking bomb.
He was packing up the weapons when I said it. “You’re lying to me.”
He froze mid-motion. “Excuse me?”
I crossed my arms, my voice shaking but strong. “You heard me. You’ve been lying for years. About what I am. About what we all are.”
His shoulders tensed. He didn’t turn around. “Kaia, now’s not…”
“Don’t do that.” I snapped. “Don’t use that calm, commander tone with me. I’m not one of your soldiers.”
He finally looked at me, eyes narrowing slightly. “You’re my daugh
