Kael's POV
Ronan's grin widened. "The surprise isn't over yet."
The heavy doors behind me groaned open, the echo rolling through the throne room like thunder.
Boots struck the marble floor in unison as more Valiants marched in—dragging someone between them.
My heart sank.
It was Eldric Vale, Aria's father.
His wrists were bound, his clothes torn and streaked with blood. They forced him forward, shoving him onto his knees before the throne.
Even in pain, the old man's eyes burned with quiet defiance, as if he refused to give Ronan the satisfaction of fear.
"Ronan," I snapped, stepping toward him. "What is this? He's an elder—one of our own!"
Ronan's expression hardened, the amusement draining from his face. "He's a traitor. He helped your friends escape. He defied his Alpha."
My pulse roared in my ears. "You call this justice? He's an old man!"
Ronan's voice cracked like a whip. "He's facing the consequences of his choices. No one goes against me and lives."
