Bastian
I entered my estate, the events of the day settling on my shoulders. Spending time with Kaida was unexpectedly peaceful… I don’t think I like admitting that. Her fragility, her quiet strength, all of it stirred something in me that I wasn’t ready to confront yet. I had meant to show up at that hospital to keep appearances, to continue the facade of the caring alpha and strategic protector. But the moment I saw her, bruised and vulnerable, I felt a pull.
I shouldn’t feel this way.
The cold, empty halls of my home greeted me, but there was no time to enjoy the silence. I hadn’t taken more than a few steps before my mother, Helena, appeared, her sharp eyes narrowing in on me as if she had been waiting.
“Bastian,” she called out, her voice cold and edged with accusation.
I sighed
