I gasp as my eyes fly open. Sophie is trembling, and blood is running from her nose.
“No—Soph, stop. Don’t do that again, okay? Please.” I catch her by the shoulders, my voice tight with panic. She looks ghostly pale.
“That was incredible,” I whisper, brushing hair from her forehead. “But you’re still too young. That could really hurt you, Soph. Don’t try again.”
She nods slowly, but I can see the fire in her eyes. The same stubbornness I have. The same need to help.
Caden steps in, scooping her up into his arms like she’s made of glass.
“Yeah—come here, rebel,” he says softly. “I’m Alpha now. I command that you don’t do that again. Promise me, little sis. I need to know you’re safe while we’re out saving Mum.”
He kisses her forehead.
She sniffles and wraps her arms around his neck.
