FIA
The words still made my stomach turn in a way that lingered long after the vision faded. They did not feel like a threat tossed out in anger. They felt deliberate. Claimed. Like someone planting a flag in ground that was still wet with blood.
Aldric killing Cian was not just revenge or ambition. It was a move. A messy, calculated step toward power. Toward becoming ruling Alpha.
My thoughts started racing even while I forced my breathing to stay slow and steady against Cian's chest. Aldric had always had access to him. Always had the chance. If he wanted Cian dead, he could have done it years ago... weeks ago... days ago There had to be a reason he waited. Which would mean something was going to shift. Something was going to change that would make the risk worth it, or make it unavoidable.
Was it because of what we knew now? Because Cian was finally starting to believe me about his uncle?
