Kael’s POV
Ryker stands frozen. “That’s why she feels different.”
“Yes,” my father confirms, pride and sorrow woven through his words. “She’s the last of her bloodline.”
The guilt spreads through me, dull and relentless. We didn't just ignore her — we hurt her and disrespected something sacred. I picture Ayla's face, the way she always seemed to shrink into herself whenever we entered a room, as if she expected nothing but disappointment. All those moments we overlooked—now, they play in my mind in excruciating detail.
Ryker drags a hand through his hair, jaw clenched. “You’re telling me we’ve been treating—” He stops, words failing him. He doesn’t have to finish. The weight of what we’ve done hangs heavy, pressing down on all of us.
Soren’s voice is barely a whisper. “She carried tha
