Chapter 88

The gates of Ironwood sealed with a heavy, familiar sound and the guards at post straightened in their postures. The wolves bowed in respect as their Alpha passed by with Aria.

But Aren remained still. He watched the entrance, silently contemplating what had been on his mind while he drove them back. He had seen Cole’s face in that chamber and knew he was touched by Kaev’s reappearance. Aren exhaled slowly and ran a hand over his jaw.

He had been there. He had stood on that southern ridge with the smoke in the air hurting his lungs. He had watched Cole shift before he could control himself. He had watched the battle spiral. He had helped drag bodies. He had been the one who informed Cole quietly, “There are no survivors.”

Even when he saw the boy, he had seen it in Cole’s eyes too; that hesitation and a flicker of humanity. Aren had said nothing when Cole turned away. He had read in Cole’s expression that he didn’t want someone that young involved in the bloodshed