POV: Araya
Araya sits beside Jasper's cot, watching him weep. His hand still reaches out, searching for hers.
Finally, she takes it.
Jasper's fingers close around hers immediately, gripping tight like she might disappear.
"Thank you," Jasper gasps. "Thank you for coming. For being here. I don't deserve it."
"No," Araya agrees. "You don't."
They sit in silence for a long moment. Jasper's breathing is ragged, labored. Each breath clearly causes him pain.
"Tell me about him," Jasper says quietly. "About Lucian. What is he like?"
Araya's expression softens. "Strong. Powerful. His eyes glow silver with Lycan light. He's only weeks old, but he's already aware in ways that shouldn't be possible."
"Like his mother," Jasper says. A ghost of a smile crosses his scarred face. "You always saw
