POV: Araya
Jasper kneels in the snow, his power unraveling around him like threads coming loose from fabric. The proud Alpha who marched here with an army is reduced to this. Broken. Defeated. Destroyed by his own mistakes.
Araya should feel triumphant. Should savor this moment of complete victory.
But all she feels is tired. And sad.
This could have been different. They could have been a family. Raised Lucian together in love instead of surrounded by armies and rage.
But Jasper made his choice. And now Araya has made hers.
"Araya," Jasper whispers. His voice is barely audible. "Please. Don't take my son from me. I can't lose you both."
"You already lost us," Araya says quietly. "Months ago. This is just you finally realizing it."
Jasper's head lifts. His storm-gray eyes are red-ri
