Within the hospital ward.
Gerald and Drake sat close, their voices low, but the tension in the air felt sharp
“Cousin,” Gerald whispered, his tone filled with disbelief, “is the pup in Elena’s belly… really your bastard child?”
Drake’s voice came out clipped, yet heavy with a secret he couldn’t shake.
“What bastard child! That pup was conceived before the divorce.”
Gerald's head snapped up, “Divorce?! Don’t twist words. That child was conceived only two moons ago, when you were still mated. Then you went down on one knee and proposed to your new woman. Cousin… you’re truly despicable!”
Drake’s gaze flickered toward Elena, who lay pale and unmoving on the hospital bed. His frustration boiled over, and he turned his glare on Gerald, eyes burning.
“I cannot explain this to you!”
The
