The Aftermath
The dockyard was left in shambles, the air thick with smoke and the metallic scent of blood. Caden’s men had successfully repelled Levi’s attack, but the cost was evident injured men, damaged cargo, and an undeniable message: Levi wasn’t backing down.
Caden emerged from the fray, his shirt smeared with blood and his face a mask of controlled fury. His eyes locked onto mine as he made his way toward me.
“Are you hurt?” he asked, his voice rough but laced with concern.
I shook my head, unable to find the words. My mind was still reeling from the sight of Kelly amidst the chaos, her betrayal a knife to my chest. I couldn’t tell him yet not here, not now.
“We need to regroup,” I said instead, my voice steadier than I felt.
He nodded, his jaw tight. “We’ll talk back at the e
