Hazel’s POV
We left at dawn.
Seven days after Vincent died. Seven days after Alaric’s fever broke. Seven days after the bond was sealed.
His leg still needs the staff. But he walks. No limp if he’s careful. My work.
Cleric rides at our right. Beta leathers finally fit him again. He’s cut his hair. Shaved. The gray is still there, but his eyes are alive. Twenty years of Vincent’s dungeon didn’t kill the Beta in him.
Behind us: six warriors. The ones who helped me escape the ravines. The ones who chose me over Ella.
And in my satchel: Vincent’s first ledger. Page one. Miri. Age 6. Sold to Red River. 10,000 credits.
“You’re sure about this?” Alaric asks. He rides close, thigh brushing mine. The bond hums. Content. Claimed. “Red River Alpha isn’t…”
“He’s not Vincent,” Cleric cuts i
