Kael's POV
Ronan.
Escaped.
For a moment, I couldn't breathe. The throne room fell away, the elders' voices fading into nothing. Only one thought slammed through my mind with brutal force:
Aria.
My feet were already moving—no, flying—as I tore out of the throne room and sprinted down the hallway. I didn't care who called after me. I didn't care whose eyes widened in confusion. I slammed Aria's door open so hard it hit the wall.
And there they were.
Aria.
Zara.
Aiden.
All sitting on the bed, playing and laughing… until they saw my face.
Aiden stopped mid-giggle. His head snapped toward me, eyes wide—then he ran to me instantly, hugging my leg with all the innocence I feared I could lose in an instant.
"Father!"
I forced myself to bend down and hold him, even though my chest felt like it was collapsing.
Aria had already risen, worry creeping up her neck like a shadow.
"Kael… what is it?"
"Ronan," I breathed. "He's escaped."
