Before my father returned to the Moon Goddess, I promised him I would always protect her. I swore it as his son and as the future Alpha of this pack. I cannot betray that promise.
His voice hardened.
If you continue defending your brother, Clara will forever see you as the sister of the wolf who harmed her. Every time she looks at you, she will remember that night.
Then his tone softened again.
Almost pleading.
But if you come back to us… if you stand beside her and show her you believe her, we can still fix this.
The pack will see their Luna standing beside her Alpha.
You can still save our bond, Aria.
My fingers trembled as I wiped the tears from my cheeks.
I felt completely helpless.
So that’s what you want? I asked quietly.
You want me to choose between you… and my own brother.
Caleb didn’t answer.
The silence spoke louder than any words.
I inhaled slowly before speaking again.
Then listen to me carefully, Caleb.
My thoughts trembled, but I forced the words forward.
You stand with your sister, and I will stand with my brother. If it turns out Marcus truly committed something unforgivable, I will kneel before Clara myself and beg for her forgiveness in front of the entire pack.