Elias's POV
The night air hit my face like a slap as I stepped out of Ronan's house.
The pack territory spread out before me, eerily quiet in a way that felt unnatural.
Most people had retreated indoors, seeking comfort in familiar walls and locked doors after the chaos of the evening.
I couldn't blame them.
They just discovered our mortal enemies, Vampires, were actually real.
I swallowed hard, my throat feeling raw from unshed tears and too much shouting.
My mind raced with thoughts.
If only I had been faster tonight. If only I had stayed with my father instead of chasing after Maeve. If only I had returned to him faster, maybe I could have made a difference. Maybe he would still be alive.
Maybe, maybe, maybe.
The word echoed in my head like a curse, each repetition driving the glass of guilt deeper into my chest.
I groaned, pressing the heels of my palms against my eyes until I saw stars.
