Alicia chose Carlos even though he had a mate and a son. The bond between them was forbidden, cursed by tradition, and torn by destiny. They had loved each other against every rule.
Lucien didn't fight his way. He couldn't dare make a claim.
His love for Alicia was instantly overshadowed by her devotion to his brother. And so he stepped back, letting Carlos shine and have everything.
Until the war took both of them in a single night.
Carlos died protecting their father.
Alicia died trying to protect Carlos.
And Lucien inherited the pack.
Yet, he was also left with Elias.
And the silence that came after.
Rebuilding the pack wasn't easy, but he did his best.
Becoming a father never came to his mind, but he didn't have a choice.
Now the boy barely spoke or ate. He spent time staring out the window, tracing patterns on the frost. Lucien taught him to train with wooden swords, took him on patrols, and tried to be both the father and mother. But the boy remained hollow.
