Caleb's accusation found the fear Kaelen had never managed to bury. Kaelen had faced armies without stepping back, yet pain moved through our bond before his expression closed.
Kaelen left the throne and crossed the hall at an even pace. No one moved as his measured steps carried him past the broken doors.
He stopped in front of the trembling, broken man.
"You called me her second choice."
Caleb spat on the floor. "She's mine by right. You came after me."
Kaelen gave him a thin smile. "Then listen carefully, little wolf."
He closed one hand around Caleb's good knee and twisted. The joint broke with a wet *CRUNCH*.
Caleb collapsed before his scream found air. He clawed once at Kaelen's sleeve before a guard stamped his hand down.
Kaelen crouched beside him. "Ten years ago, a cursed
