Mira woke to the soft glow of dawn streaming through her window. The warmth of the bed and the lingering scent of Kaelan on the sheets were a bittersweet reminder of the night before.
But when she turned, the space beside her was empty.
She sat up, her heart sinking. After a quick bath, she dressed and set out to find him. Her path led her through the Pack house, where the wolves greeted her with cautious smiles.
As she rounded a corner, she nearly collided with Liana.
Liana’s eyes swept over Mira, taking in her rumpled appearance and the faint marks on her neck. A flicker of emotion crossed her face—resentment, perhaps—but she quickly masked it.
“Enjoying yourself?” Liana asked coldly, her tone laced with venom.
Mira didn’t reply, stepping around her and continuing her search for Kaelan.
She found him in his study, poring over a map spread out on the table. He looked up when she entered, his expression softening.
“We need to talk,” Mira said firmly.
Kaelan leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on her. “I’m listening.”
She crossed her arms, her voice steady but tinged with hurt. “What are you going to do about Liana?”
Kaelan sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Liana is a traitor. She doesn’t belong here.”
Mira’s eyebrows shot up. “Just like you called me a traitor when you exiled me?”
His expression darkened with guilt. “Mira, I—”
“No,” she interrupted, her voice sharp. “You don’t get to brush this off. You betrayed me once, Kaelan. You listened to lies and cast me out. And now you’re ready to do the same to my sister, no matter what she’s done.”
Kaelan opened his mouth to protest, but Mira held up a hand. “Let her go, Kaelan. Don’t punish her the way you punished me.”
He stared at her, torn between his anger at Liana and his desire to make amends with Mira.
“Do this,” Mira said softly, her voice breaking slightly. “And I’ll do your bidding.”
Kaelan’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, he seemed ready to argue. But then he nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. “If that’s what you want, Mira.”
Mira turned and left the room, her heart heavy. She didn’t know if she could ever fully forgive him—or Liana—but for now, she had made her choice.