The courtyard reeked of blood and smoke, but all Elias could feel was Kieran’s grip on his arm—tight, unrelenting.
“Tell me the truth,” Kieran demanded, his voice low but sharp as a blade. “Why did that rogue know your name? Why did he call you out?”
Elias tried to pull away, but Kieran only tightened his hold, golden Alpha eyes glowing faintly. “Don’t run from me. Not now. Not ever.”
His chest constricted. For years, Elias had carried the burden, convincing himself it was safer if no one knew. But now—now the lie was poisoning everything, even the bond that tethered them together.
“I should have told you sooner,” Elias whispered, voice shaking.
Kieran’s jaw clenched. “Then tell me now.”
Elias swallowed hard, his throat raw. “The rogues… they’re not just attacking at random. They’re
