POV: Kade
The medical wing smelled like death and antiseptic.
Not an unusual combination in any pack house. But tonight it felt different. Heavier. More permanent.
Maybe because one of the bodies was my mother's.
I sat beside her covered form. Someone, Dr. Chen, probably had cleaned her. Arranged her hands across her chest. Made her look peaceful.
Like she was sleeping instead of murdered by her own son.
"You should eat something."
Dr. Chen's voice. Gentle. Careful. Like I might break if she spoke too loud.
"Not hungry."
"You need strength. Sera and Ember need you to..."
"Don't." The word came out harsher than I meant. "Please. Just... don't."
She set a plate beside me anyway. Protein bar. Water. Things I could eat without thinking.
Then she left. Smart woman.
Through the bond
