Without another word, the Alpha pulled him close, wrapping Ryley in a trembling embrace. He pressed a soft kiss to the blond's head, his breath unsteady as he whispered a quiet hush against his hair.
It tore him apart—watching Ryley break like that, feeling the weight of his pain. Every sob from Ryley struck deeper than any blade ever could.
And worse, to know that love alone wasn't enough to save him.
But that didn't mean Clyde could just stand by and let the blond fall apart.
He lifted Ryley in his arms without a word, carrying him through the dim, echoing stairwell.
The sound of his steps was the only thing that filled the silence until they reached the sky garden above.
Only then did Clyde set him down on a bench. "It's okay… I'm here," he said quietly, kneeling before him.
His hand found Ryley's, brushing away the faint tremor that still lingered in his fingers.
