Once Ren was dragged away, Zayden could no longer hold himself together.
His knees gave out beneath him, forcing him to brace a hand against the floor as he struggled to breathe.
The footsteps gradually faded into the distance along with Ren.
A strangled sound escaped his throat. He quickly covered his mouth, trying to suppress it, but it was useless. The sobs came anyway.
Violent and uncontrollable.
He had spent the entire day forcing himself to remain composed. Acting like the Imperial General everyone expected him to be. Acting as though the accusations, the betrayal, and the sight of Ren standing before him had not shattered something inside him.
Yet the moment the omega disappeared from sight, that fragile composure finally broke.
His shoulders trembled. His chest hurt so much he could barely draw breath. And still, he tried to hold it in. He couldn't show himself this weak. Not in front of the guards. Not in front of the servants. Not in front of anyone.
