A week later, Mara returned to the Blackthorn territory.
Theo was originally buried in the Blackwood family cemetery. Freya accompanied her personally to open the tomb, but inside they found only an empty burial urn. Before being stripped of his title, Lucian had already taken Theo's ashes away.
When Mara found him at the old estate, he was sitting next to the swing that used to be Theo's favorite. He had lost a significant amount of weight after losing his Alpha position, and heavy, dark circles shadowed his eyes. Only when he saw her did his eyes suddenly light up.
"I knew you would come," he said.
Mara didn't step any closer. "Give Theo back to me," she demanded.
"Stay for 30 days," Lucian pleaded. "Just 30 days. Let me take care of you and do all the things I never did for you bef
