Kaelith’s POV
I told myself I didn't care where Nymera went after she left.
For the first few hours after the coronation, while the celebration continued around me and people lined up to congratulate me on becoming Alpha, I repeated that lie often enough that I almost believed it. Every handshake, every bow from the Elders, every smile directed toward Astra should have reinforced the decision I had made, yet beneath all of it, there was a persistent feeling that refused to disappear, a dull awareness somewhere deep inside my chest that made it impossible to enjoy any of the victory everyone else seemed convinced I had achieved.
It became even worse once the ballroom was empty, and I finally found myself alone. The palace had never felt quiet before. Growing up, there was always movem
