She chose Carlos even though he had a mate. Even though the bond between them was forbidden, cursed by tradition, torn by destiny. They had loved each other against every rule.
Lucien didn't fight it.
Couldn't.
His love for Alicia was instantly overshadowed by her devotion to his brother. And so he stepped back, as always, letting Carlos shine. Letting Carlos 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.
And Elias.
And the silence that came after.
Now the boy barely spoke, barely 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 father and uncle. But the boy remained hollow.
Lucien could not blame him.
Everyone he had loved was gone.
Just like Devon.
Devon…
