~Kaida Orion POV~
Biat stepped inside, the floorboards creaking under his boots. His eyes found mine, steady, unyielding. "I will not stand by while she is broken in silence. If you will not defend her, I will."
My heart thundered, torn between disbelief and the raw ache of being seen—truly seen—for the first time in what felt like forever.
Lupus moved, his presence heavy, the air between him and Biat thick with unspoken threat. "You dare speak of what you do not understand."
Biat's gaze sharpened. "I understand enough, I hear the whispers in the council and I see the cracks Kaelith drives between you and between all of us and still you let her linger at your side."
The name alone sent tension spiraling through the room. Kaelith tilted her head, her voice soft, almost playful. "How curious… two men fighting over one woman, while the Alpha forgets what truly matters."
