**The Fractured Storm**
**1. The Lie in His Blood**
Mikey’s words hung in the air like a guillotine blade.
*It says it’s why Dad left.*
Zelene’s hands trembled where they gripped his shoulders. **“That’s not true.”**
Mikey’s black-veined fingers dug into his own arms. **“Then why did he go?”**
Damian stepped forward, his wolf bristling beneath his skin. **“Because Cain’s a coward. Not because of you.”**
A shudder ran through Mikey’s small frame. The shadows pooling at his feet *twitched*, as if agitated by the words.
Weiss, still cradling his ruined arm, eyed the darkness warily. **“We need to contain this. Now.”**
**“Contain *what*?”** Zelene snapped, rounding on him. **“My son?”**
**“The thing inside him,”** Weiss corrected, voice gravel. **“Before it gets w
