Chapter 79

Ronan’s POV

Memories—my only remaining treasures. I never knew how precious they were until after my father died. Over time I learned to live with that loss, only to be reminded of their value when I lost my mate, her daughter, and now Eldric. A fearful question haunted me: Who would be next? Saelis? My mother? Grief and rage left me vulnerable, my thoughts a storm of pain and betrayal.

Beside me, my mother wept, her head resting on Saelis’s shoulder. Saelis returned each sob with her own tears while she gently stroked my mother’s back. I studied them for a long moment and felt a jolt of unease. Something about Saelis seemed off—her expression unfamiliar, her presence strangely cold. My mind warned me I was overthinking, clouded by sorrow, but I could not shake the distrust.

I tore my gaze from them and lifted my eyes to the heavens. The sky was as dark and dismal as our mood. All around, the pack’s cries and soft sobs broke the stillness of the night. We ha