The air in the clearing felt charged, every breath heavy as the group stared at Eryon, his words still hanging in the air. The silence stretched, broken only by the crackling of the dying fire.
Cassian stood a few feet away, his amber eyes fixed on Eryon, narrowing as he shifted back into his human form. His voice was low, but it carried an edge that cut through the quiet.
“What do you mean, your child?”
Eryon glanced at the spot where Misery had disappeared into the shadows, a flicker of regret passing across his crimson eyes.
“Misery’s pregnant,” he said, his voice steady despite the vulnerability that tinged its edges. “With my child.”
Lyra gasped, her silver eyes widening in shock. “Eryon… why didn’t you tell me?” she whispered, stepping forward.
His gaze dropped to the ground. “I didn’t know how,” he admitted, his tone laced with guilt. “I wasn’t even sure it was possible—not until she told me.”
Cassian crossed his arms over his chest, his expression darkening. “If you’re lying to us—”
“I’m not,” Eryon snapped, cutting him off. His crimson eyes burned as he straightened, his jaw set with determination. “That child… it’s the only thing tethering me to what’s left of myself. The only piece of me that isn’t tainted by what they did to me.”
Lyra stepped closer, her hands trembling as she reached for her brother. “You should have told me, Eryon. We could’ve helped you.”
His expression softened as he looked at her, the cracks in his hardened demeanor showing. “There hasn’t been time, Lyra. And I didn’t want to put more on you. You already carry enough.”
Cassian’s gaze shifted between the siblings, his jaw tightening as he exhaled sharply.
“This changes everything. Misery’s not here anymore, but if what you’re saying is true, she and that child are now targets. We’re already risking the pack for you—now we’re protecting your family, too?”
Eryon didn’t flinch at the accusation. “I didn’t ask for this, Cassian. But that child is innocent. They didn’t choose this life, or this war.”
Lyra turned to Cassian, her expression firm despite the turmoil inside her.
“We’re not abandoning them, Cassian. Eryon saved us—he saved me. And now, we’ll save him. Misery and that child, too. Whether you like it or not.”
Cassian met her gaze, the fire in his amber eyes dimming slightly. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Fine. But don’t mistake my agreement for approval. This doesn’t make him any less of a liability.”
Eryon’s lips curled into a faint, humorless smile. “Good to know where we stand.”
Cassian turned away, his voice clipped as he spoke. “Let’s keep moving. That stone is the only chance we have of fixing this mess.”