Chapter 42. Seeking Forgiveness

Kayden POV

My entire body trembled as I saw my mother in danger. Alpha Vella’s wolf lunged at her from behind, teeth bared, magic crackling like black lightning around them.

“Mother, no!” I screamed, shifting back into my human form mid-run. I reached out, trying to hurl a blast of magic to shield her, to push her away—anything to stop what I already knew was going to happen.

Time slowed.

Her silver-furred wolf turned toward me for a brief second—her eyes wide with fear, yet calm with acceptance. Then the dark blade of the undead Alpha Vella sank into her side. Her howl pierced the battlefield, raw and echoing. It twisted into silence as her body went limp and shifted back to human form.

I dropped to my knees beside her, my heart in freefall.

“Mom!” My voice cracked as I clutched her lifeless hand.

My father collapsed beside her, silent tears rolling down his cheeks. He pulled her close, cradling her like something fragile t