The palace walls still echoed with his father's final words—"If you dare disobey me, you are no son of mine."
The night air was still when Leon left the palace behind.
He didn't look back.
The golden gates of the Lycan kingdom closed behind him with a low, echoing sound that carried through the cold night. His wolf, Xavier, padded quietly in his mind, silent at first, watching through his eyes as the lights of the palace disappeared behind the trees.
Neither spoke for a while. The forest was calm. Only the sound of Leon's boots breaking twigs filled the silence.
Finally, Xavier's voice came—rough, steady, but laced with emotion.
You really did it.
Leon exhaled, his breath forming a thin mist in the cold. I did.
You gave up everything.
Leon's steps slowed. His throat tightened, but he didn't stop walking. No, he replied softly. I didn't give up everything. I chose the only thing that matters.
Xavier growled lightly, not in anger, but in pride. Mia.
