“Like a safe haven,” he says thoughtfully. “Somewhere people can be themselves.”
“Exactly. A place where it doesn’t matter if you can shift or not, or what pack you came from.” I look down at my hands. “I know it probably sounds ridiculous…”
“It sounds perfect.” His voice is fierce with conviction. “And completely you—taking something that hurt you and turning it into something that helps others. I want to help make it happen, when you’re ready.”
I shouldn’t trust him. He’s hurt me too many times. But something has changed in him—I can see it in his eyes, feel it through our muted bond. The way he’s already thinking about my future, wanting to be part of it… it makes something warm bloom in my chest.
“Why are you doing this?” I have to ask. “Why now?”
“Because I finally understand what matters,” he says quietly. “Not power or status or what others think. Just you. Your dreams. Your happiness. I want to be part of that, if you’ll let me.”
I hadn’t considered that he might actually want to support me in that way. “Maybe. But it’s hard to imagine it now. I was desperate enough to try breaking our bond…now I don’t know what I want from the future.”
“Because of me.” His hands clench in his lap. “I’m so sorry, Aurora. I know those words aren’t enough, but I am. I’ll spend the rest of my life proving it to you, if you’ll let me.”
“Why should I believe you?” I have to ask, not daring to give in to hope after everything. “What’s different now? Because this isn’t the first time you made me believe you’d changed.”
He’s quiet for a long moment. “I’ve spent my whole life trying to be what my father wanted. Strong. Unfeeling. The perfect alpha heir.” His voice is raw with emotion. “But real strength isn’t about denying your feelings or pushing away the people you love. Real strength is standing up for what matters, even when it’s hard. You taught me that.”
“I didn’t teach you anything.”
“Yes, you did.” He meets my eyes with a strength and clarity in their ice blue depths that I’ve never seen before. “You showed me what real strength looks like. Fighting without a wolf. Learning to defend yourself. Caring about others even when they hurt you. I was so focused on not being weak that I couldn’t see how strong you are.”
My throat tights with emotion. “Kieran…”
“You don’t have to forgive me,” he says quickly. “I don’t expect that, and I know it’s too much. Just… let me try? Let me show you who I can be without my father’s voice in my head?”
I shouldn’t believe him. Shouldn’t let myself hope. But as I begin to tell him more about fae bargains and broken promises,about the power of words and the importance of intent, I feel something small and fragile kindle in my chest.
“The fae fear certain things,” I explain, warming to my subject. “Cold iron, of course. But also true bonds—pack bonds, mate bonds, family bonds. That’s why they try to break them with the madness, I think. They know we’re stronger together. And there are things that can break their own bonds, the ones that take them back to the fae realm, spells and poisons that Carrie told me she only knew rumors of.”
“Is that why they went after Pack Onyx?” he asks. “Because of their venomous bite—do you think that it could trap them here and keep them from returning back to their realm?”
The question shows he’s been paying attention. “Maybe. Gran says they feared the old packs who could hurt them. That’s why they had to resort to trickery to take them down.”
As we talk, I find myself relaxing despite my best intentions. Kieran’s questions are thoughtful, showing that he has genuine interest and isn’t just humoring me. When exhaustion hits suddenly, making me sway, he’s there with water and pain medication without being asked.
“We should stop,” he says, noting my fatigue. “You need rest.”
“Just a little more,” I insist. “There’s so much you need to know.”
His smile is fond. “We have time. I’m not going anywhere.”
I shouldn’t believe him. Shouldn’t let myself trust. But as I drift off to sleep that night, I can’t help thinking that maybe, just maybe, we can build something new from the ashes of what we were.
A fresh start, if I’m brave enough to try.
Chapter 29
Kieran
The sun isn’t even up when I hear movement from Aurora’s room in the Pack Opal guest house. We’ve been here three days now while she recovers from the ritual, and each day she pushes herself harder. My wolf whines with concern as I listen to her slow, careful footsteps cross the floor. That was one thing I insisted on: the room next to hers, so if anything happens I’ll be right there.
I find her in the small backyard, going through what looks like warm-up stretches. She’s wearing tight athletic clothes that make my mouth go dry, but it’s the determined set of her jaw that really catches my attention.
“Should you be training already?” I ask, trying to keep the worry from my voice. I’ve learned that hovering only makes her irritated and distant. “It hasn’t been that long since you were barely able to walk.”
“The healers said movement would help.” She doesn’t look at me as she continues her stretches, and I try not to lust over the pale, creamy expanse of her thighs. “Besides, I need to get up and do something already or I’m going to go insane. I’m tired of feeling weak.”
