“If you can’t provide an heir, you’re a Luna in name only. I need more than a worthless, barren omega cosplaying as a Luna!”

My Alpha husband Jason’s words cut deeper than any silver blade. For three years, I have kept the truth from him. He thinks he married a weak omega. But the truth? I am the Alpha King’s daughter.

I wait eagerly for his return from a victorious war, ready to reveal who I truly am. Only to find him walking back with his mistress, Viki, who has already carrying his pup.

“You have two options,” Jason snarls, eyes cold. “Lose your status as Luna and go back to being a useless omega. Or stay for Viki and help raise my heir.”

Pushed to my breaking point, I accept his rejection and return to my father’s kingdom. I think my heart is dead but fate has led me to a dangerous second-chance mate. Worse, Jason can’t let me go that easily.

CHAPTER ONE

Talia’s POV

For three years of marriage, I have been hiding the truth from my alpha husband—I am the daughter of the Alpha King, rather than the omega he knows me to be.

The drums thundered through the clearing as torches lit the night sky. I stood at the center of it all, cloaked in silver and pride, watching the gates with a heart full of hope.

Jason was finally home after a brutal war. As Luna, I’d spent days making sure every detail was perfect tonight, from the linens to the floral centerpieces. I even assisted the omegas with the cooking just to make sure everything was just right.

A month ago, the almighty Alpha King sent Jason to eliminate the rogue wolves at the border of our pack grounds.

Some people might think it’s a bad thing, but I know what it really was. It was good, my dad is slowly coming to accept him. He is giving him more responsibilities to see if he can handle the truth that he married his daughter.

The pride I feel for Jason is indescribable. Finally, everything is falling into place and my dad will recognize that there is no better mate for me than him.

I waited patiently, smiling as I imagined the surprise on his face when I finally had the opportunity to confess everything to him.

“The Shadowclaw Pack welcomes home its future heir!” Jason’s voice rang out, commanding.

The cheers rose instantly. I blinked, confused, until I saw her.

Viki Mayers.

Clinging to his arm like she’d always belonged there. Her dress hugged a gently swollen belly, and Jason’s hand… settled there, proudly.

“This is Viki, our top warrior’s daughter,” he said, turning to face me. “And she’s carrying my pup.”

Gasps rippled. My vision blurred.

My mate. My Alpha. The man I had waited for… had returned to me with another woman carrying his pup.

And Jason didn’t even have the decency to tell me beforehand. Instead, he humiliated me at the celebration I had organized for him.

It felt like my heart was tearing in two. Every inhale was a struggle to maintain my composure. I could hear every whisper that slithered through the crowd:

"Luna Talia never conceived in three years..."

"Viki should have been Luna in the first place..."

“Luna Talia should step down now…”

Jason’s gaze swept over the room and he held no regret. He looked at me with cool indifference, as if I should’ve expected him to make a laughingstock of me.

"To a prosperous future for Shadowclaw!" Jason raised his goblet.

Everyone raised their wine glasses, cheering and clapping. The pack’s elders smiled and nodded, satisfied with the young Alpha’s accomplishments.

And I wanted to scream.

I slipped away during the congratulations and returned to our chamber. No one came looking for me. No one cared.

I allowed myself to fall apart without prying eyes there to mock me.

My heartbreak soon became rage. I was not going to stand for this. Jason would answer for what he had done.

When Jason finally returned to our chamber, I was already there, waiting.

“You shouldn’t have left. You should be happy for me,” Jason said.

“Happy about you betraying me and having a bastard?” I scoffed.

“Enough of the tantrum. I just made it home and I would like a nice evening with my mate,” Jason sighed.

“So, now you see me as your mate,” I laughed bitterly. "How could you do this to me?”

"You’re being unreasonable," he growled.

"Unreasonable?" My voice rose. "You humiliated me in front of the entire pack, and you expect me to just accept it?”

Jason removed his armor, piece by piece, not even bothering to look at me. "It’s done. She’s pregnant. The pack has an heir. You need to accept this.”

“How do you expect me to accept this?” I took a step forward, snarling. “You caused me pain for AN ENTIRE MONTH because you were betraying the mate bond by sleeping with that slut!”

“I advised the pack doctor to give you pain killers. I will make sure he is punished for not properly taking care of you while I was away,” Jason said nonchalantly.

I balked at his audacity. “And that is supposed to make it right?” I demanded.

"You’ve been Luna for three years and haven’t given me an heir," he said simply, as if that justified everything. "Did you expect me to wait forever?”

“I expected you to treat me as your Luna. I expected you to discuss with me if you wanted a breeder, not…”

“Do you even hear yourself, Talia? Did you forget who you are?” Jason snarled, interrupting me.

“I am your Luna,” I responded, not backing down.

“And a Luna provides heirs, and you can’t even do that. If you can’t provide me with an heir, you’re a Luna in name only. I need more than a worthless barren omega cosplaying as a Luna!”

“How dare you speak to me like that!”

Jason’s expression was unreadable. It was as if I was looking at a stranger. His voice was firm and cold as he said, “You have two options. You can leave, lose your status as Luna, and go back to being an omega. Or you can stay and support.”

CHAPTER TWO

Talia’s POV

"I..I can’t believe you’re doing this to me,” I stammered, backing away from him. “I was chosen by the Moon Goddess to be your mate. I am your fated Luna. What you’ve done… it’s blasphemy.”

Jason didn’t flinch. “The Moon Goddess would never allow the pack to go without an heir. You think she cares about titles more than survival?”

I stared at him, stunned.

“She gave me to you,” I said. “And you spit on that gift.”

“She gave me a pack to protect,” he replied coldly. “And for three years, you haven’t given me an heir. That’s not the Goddess failing us, Talia. That’s you.”

My breath caught in my throat. I could feel my wolf bristling at the accusation and insult. He meant every word. He was using the divine bond as a weapon, as proof that I had failed.

“You think this is all I am?” I asked. “Just a womb to fill? That’s what being your Luna means to you?”

“I think you’re emotional and looking for someone to blame.”

I let out a bitter laugh. I stood in the same room where we used to share whispered plans and tender touches, now looking at a man who saw me as nothing more than a failed investment.

I turned away from him, wiping the tears from my face. He didn’t deserve me, and I wish I had realized this three years ago.

Three years ago, I walked away from everything, my birthright, my name, my title as the Alpha King's daughter. I severed ties with my father, concealed my true rank, and entered the Shadowclaw Pack under the guise of an omega.

I humbled myself.

I lowered myself.

All for him.

I remembered the way I once looked at Jason like he was the future, like he was worth the sacrifice because he was my fated mate.

Every sleepless night, every hushed whisper, every Elder who doubted me—none of it mattered because I believed in him. I believed in us.

I bore the title of Luna with pride. I ran this pack when he was away. I protected the weak, ensuring order, and earned the respect of wolves who spat at me for being an omega. I made this place a home.

And now none of that mattered because Viki was carrying his pup, something I couldn’t do.

Jason stepped toward me, pulling me into a hug, his voice softening in that maddening way he used when he wanted to pacify me.

"You’ve done well, Talia. You’ve run this pack better than most Lunas ever could. But this," he paused, "this child changes things."

I pushed him away from me. He was trying to comfort me while simultaneously telling me I had been replaced.

“Do you think your half ass compliment is going to make me feel better, make me want to help you raise your bastard with your whore?” I asked flatly, not bothering to hide the contempt in my tone.

Jason’s expression hardened again. "I didn’t expect you to be so selfish.”

My laugh was sharp, humorless. "Selfish? Selfish?! You have no idea what I have given up for you and this pack!”

“I expect you to do what’s best for the pack. Viki will stay here until she gives birth. She needs proper care and your support,” Jason said dismissively.

“So let me get this straight.” I tilted my head. “You sleep with this whore behind my back. You humiliate me in front of the entire pack. And now you want me to serve her food while she rubs her swollen belly and lounges in my bed?”

Jason's expression hardened. “You’re twisting this.”

“No,” I said. “I’m hearing you quite fine. You’re asking me to play nursemaid to your whore.”

“Watch your tone! I’m your Alpha!”

“Why?” I snapped. “She already has your favor. What’s next? Do you want me to hand her the Luna title, too? Since she likes to take things that aren’t hers, maybe I should give her my clothes next.”

"You’re being unreasonable again," Jason snapped. "This isn’t about you."

"It’s not about me? You destroyed everything we built. You desecrated the bond the Moon Goddess gave us. You—"

The door creaked open.

I turned toward the sound, already knowing who I’d find standing there.

Viki.

She stepped in without knocking, her hand resting dramatically over her belly, a satisfied little smirk curling her lips.

“Oh,” she said innocently, “I didn’t realize you two were still… talking.”

Viki looked around with feigned curiosity, eyes shining with mock concern. “Good evening, Luna Talia,” she said sweetly, her voice dripping with insincerity. “I just wanted to let the Alpha know that the healer thinks the pup is strong and already kicking so much. It must be a boy.” She rubbed her stomach for emphasis. “He’ll make a wonderful heir.”

I clenched my jaw so tightly it ached.

‘Don’t react. She wants you to react,’ my wolf whispered in my mind, trying to calm me down, but I was finding it hard not to slap that stupid smirk off Viki’s face.

Viki turned her gaze on me. “You know, I’ve always admired how organized you are. You keep the pack running like clockwork. I hope I can learn that from you.”

“Is that why you were sleeping with my mate?” I asked coolly. “To study my habits more closely?”

Jason growled low under his breath, but I didn’t look at him.

Viki’s eyes twitched. I had hit a nerve. She quickly composed herself and began fake pouting. “You’re being so hostile, Luna Talia. It’s not my fault the Moon Goddess chose me to give Alpha a pup.”

“Nonsense! Get out,” I said.

Neither Jason nor Viki moved a bit.

“I said get out,” I growled.

“You don’t get a say in this, Talia. I’ve tried to be reasonable, but if you’re not listening, I’ll make the decision for you,” Jason said. He snapped his fingers, and two warriors entered the room. They quickly restrained me.

“What are you doing? I am your Luna! Get your hands off me!” I exclaimed.

“You’ll be staying in the guest suite until you’ve learned to behave yourself. Get her out of here,” Jason stated as he picked up Viki to carry her to our bed.

I was not about to let him humiliate me further. I yanked myself from the warriors’ grip. “Don’t bother. I’ll go willingly. But understand this, Jason, you’ll regret this.”

CHAPTER THREE

Talia’s POV

I had no choice but to accept Viki moving into Alpha’s packhouse like she belonged here, like she hadn’t stolen what wasn’t hers like the thief she was.

From that day, I chose to walk to the guest suite on my own, I became invisible.

Jason, no, the Alpha, no longer addressed me with any affection. He was attentive to Viki in ways he hadn’t been to me in years. He escorted her to meals, checked in with the healers constantly, and praised her for even the smallest effort.

And me?

I was ordered to be considerate.

I was ordered to be supportive.

I was ordered to give Viki whatever she wanted no matter how small.

He told me I was just a barren omega and that Viki, being the daughter of our top warrior, held noble status and should be treated with respect. His words destroyed what little pride I had left. Not because he was wrong about her rank, but because he had no idea who I truly was.

I was the daughter of the Werewolf King. I was the princess of the Silverfang Pack. I held more power in my bloodline than Viki could ever dream of.

And still, I said nothing.

What would be the point? He wouldn’t believe me. No one would.

I swallowed the truth and just went along with whatever they wanted. Pride would not protect me here. I just needed to survive.

Even Clara, my mousy little maid, who usually averted her eyes and submitted with the skittishness of a wolf two ranks below me, had finally cracked.

“I don’t understand, Luna,” Clara said one night as she brushed my hair.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“She’s not Luna, but everyone is treating her like she is. She’s overstepping. The way she struts around… it’s shameful,” Clara replied.

I met Clara’s eyes in the mirror. She was young and easily intimidated. I could see the anger in her brown eyes and even she had her limits.

“I know,” I murmured. “But it doesn’t matter. Let her keep thinking she’s Luna.”

Clara frowned. She looked as if she wanted to argue but she just sighed and said, “Yes, Luna.”

For a time, I endured all of Viki’s taunts.

I kept my head down. I performed my duties. I pretended not to hear the whispers in the halls or see the smirks exchanged behind my back as the pack slowly turned its back on me. I focused on what mattered: my routines, my responsibilities, and my rose garden.

Especially my rose garden.

It was the only space that was still mine, untouched by Viki’s vicious hands. It was a small courtyard nestled behind the west wing, overflowing with roses I had personally planted. Every bloom had a memory: the pale peach ones from our first festival, the white ones Jason once said matched my purity, and the dark crimson that reminded me of strength.

It was my sanctuary until she found it.

Viki came stomping into the garden one morning. Her face twisted with distaste as she eyed the roses in full bloom.

“Ugh, I hate roses. They are such old-fashioned flowers,” she said loudly, waving at the beds as if she was waving away a bad smell. “We should replace them with lavender, or maybe orchids. Something elegant.”

Clara, tending to the edges, froze. She looked between Viki and I before standing up straight. Her face looked serious as she carefully said, “Miss Viki, this is Luna's garden. She grew all these bushes herself, so we can’t-”

“Luna?” Viki gave a dramatic sigh and rubbed her belly. “Oh, you mean Talia,” She laughed. “Come on. You knew that she holds the title in name only. I’m the Alpha’s choice now. And I want this garden torn apart. You heard me?”

Clara looked at me, wide-eyed and uncertain. I stood stiffly beside the fountain, my hands clenched at my sides.

I stepped forward, my aura flexing—not fully, but enough to make her servant flinch and lower her head.

“No,” I said. “These stay.”

Viki’s smile faded just a little. Her wolf pushed back, defiant but weaker than mine. “You’re being territorial over a bunch of plants.”

“I’m being territorial over mine,” I replied, tone cold.

Viki narrowed her eyes, her voice rising just enough to carry.“You’re refusing to accommodate the mother of the future Alpha?”

Of course, Jason arrived at that moment. He always came running when he heard her voice like a moth to the flame. It made me sick.

“What’s going on?” Jason asked, stepping between us.

“I was just asking to replace some of the flowers,” Viki said sweetly, her hands resting on her stomach. “The scent’s been making me nauseous in the mornings. I don’t want to cause any stress to the pup.”

Jason didn’t look at me as he lovingly caressed Viki’s belly. “I get you don’t understand what it is like to be pregnant, but you need to be more accommodating, Talia. They’re just flowers.”

I flinched at the remark. It was like he was twisting a dagger in my heart. I scoffed which caused him to look up at me frowning.

“They are not just flowers. This is my space. This is the only space left that is mine. She has taken everything,” I argued.

Jason turned to Clara and said, “Do as Viki said.”

“No,” I said. “Jason, this garden—”

“It’s not about the garden, Talia! Don’t you understand?” Jason interrupted. “It’s about unity. It’s about doing what’s best for the pack. Viki is carrying the next Alpha. She needs peace.”

I laughed bitterly. “So, you’ll rip out the only place that’s still mine? You think that’s peace? That’s supposed to be unity?”

“If you truly care about this pack, you’ll stop fighting me on a small thing,” he snapped.

My wolf howled in my chest, furious. ‘Don’t submit. Don’t you dare submit to this.’

‘There’s no point in fighting,’ I responded, earning a snarl from my wolf.

Whether I agreed or not my garden was going to be destroyed. I swallowed hard, forcing down the ache in my throat. “Of course, Alpha,” I said, voice cold and hollow, “Clara, do as you’re told.”

She obeyed.

The scent of roses was soon replaced with the scent of ripped roots and overturned soil. I stood motionless as Clara and Viki’s maid tore the bushes from the ground. With each one, a memory was uprooted and destroyed.

Jason said nothing. He didn’t even stay to watch.

As the last rose bush was tossed aside like trash, I felt it in my bones.

My place in his heart had been destroyed along with them too.

CHAPTER FOUR

Talia’s POV

I stood by the window, staring down at the garden that used to be mine.

Now it reeked of lavender and other flowers that Viki thought was more elegant. Her scent coated every stone path and flower bed: an invasive putrid scent of jasmine and smugness.

My wolf growled low in the back of my mind. ‘You shouldn’t have allowed this. She defiled our territory.’

‘It’s just a garden,’ I sighed and swallowed the bitterness.

Even though I wanted to ignore the situation, my wolf was right. I should have challenged her on the spot and made her submit to me, but deep down I knew there was no point. Viki would have her way no matter what I did. If she told Jason to help, I would have no chance to win.

Viki had taken my mate, my bed, and my garden. What was going to be next?

Ever since Viki had moved into the Alpha’s residence, Jason hadn’t spent a single night with me. He went to be with her instead.

He betrayed the mate bond night after night not caring about the pain, he was putting me through.

Still, some deluded part of me clung to the hope that I still had a place in his heart.

Maybe once the pup was born, he would come to his senses.

Maybe he would treat Viki like a breeder, and he would come back to me.

After all, I was still Luna.

Viki couldn’t take that from me.

I went to the kitchen mid-morning, needing tea. I needed something to soothe my sore body after another sleepless night. Viki was there, draped over a stool like a lounging cat in heat. I groaned in frustration as she was not who I wanted to see first in the morning.

Viki’s robe hung open enough to make any unmated wolf turn his head and stare. Her bare legs were crossed, revealing skin she had no shame showing like the whore she was.

My nose twitched before I even saw it. The scent of her blood, from a fresh bite.

I froze.

There, on the curve of her neck, was a mate mark. The flesh was still raw, slightly raised. My stomach dropped.

My wolf bristled. ‘He didn’t, did he? Tell me he didn’t,’ she growled.

“Did... did Alpha mark you?” I asked, voice tight.

Viki smiled, baring her teeth in triumph. “Oh, this?” She tilted her head, so I could see the mark better. “Yes, last night, he was like a wild animal. He just couldn’t help himself.”

My gut twisted and my blood chilled. This wasn’t just lust. Their relationship wasn’t something that had just happened to produce an heir like Jason wanted me to believe.

A mark meant claiming.

A bond.

“He said I smelled irresistible,” Viki added, stroking the edge of the wound. “Said he couldn’t stand the thought of another male even looking at me. You know how possessive Alpha can be.”

“Don’t let it go to your head. You’re nothing but an incubator,” I said through gritted teeth.

Viki leaned forward. Her voice was laced with cruelty. “Alpha told me I am on a level with Luna. It makes sense after all, I’m the one carrying his pup.”

My wolf paced inside me, snarling, ‘Tear her face off. Do it now!’ I took a calming breath and stepped backward from her. Viki smirked seeing my distress.

“Don’t tell me, you’re surprised Talia,” Viki said while playing with a lock of her hair.

“I am surprised that you’re utterly shameless,” I snapped.

“You knew this day was coming, Talia. I was raised by my father to be Luna, and now you should just bow out with grace,” Viki whispered with a bright smile.

“Don’t fool yourself, Viki. That mark means nothing but that you’re a thieving whore. There is only one Luna in this pack and that’s me,” I said through gritted teeth.

Viki flinched but then laughed, “For now, but let’s wait and see.”

“I don’t have time for your little games, Viki.”

I turned to leave, afraid of what I might do if I stayed in the same room with her.

Then I heard it.

A sharp, theatrical cry followed by a heavy thud.

I turned just in time to see Viki throw herself to the ground; her hand clutched around her swollen stomach. She smirked at me as she began to cry.

I froze.

Viki screamed again, louder this time. “Talia, why did you push me? Why are you trying to hurt the heir?”

“What?! I didn’t touch you! You…” I snapped.

Jason burst through the door, eyes glowing, his wolf close to the surface. His scent burned with fury as he glared at me with hatred.

“What the hell did you do to her?!” he barked.

CHAPTER FIVE

Talia’s POV

“Oh…Jason, help our pup,” Viki said before passing out.

“I’ll ask you again. What the hell did you do?” Jason snarled.

The full weight of his Alpha aura crashed into me like a wave. My knees buckled, but I forced myself to stand tall. Submission clawed at me, demanding I bow, but I refused.

“I didn’t touch her!” I said quickly. “She just dropped to the ground. I don’t know what happened!”

He didn’t look at me. His entire focus locked on Viki lying there on the ground, still gripping her belly.

“Viki!” Jason cooed, dropping to his knees beside her. “Viki, wake up.”

I felt a pang in my heart. I could still feel his anger pressing against me, but the moment she didn’t respond, fear replaced anger.

“Get the healer,” Jason ordered one of the warriors that had rushed in behind him. “Now.”

I stood there, frozen in place, every instinct in my body screamed that I should defend myself. It wouldn’t matter right now, not when the mother of his unborn pup was unconscious on the floor and I was the only one standing.

‘She planned this,’ my wolf snarled. ‘She baited us. We should have left as soon as we saw her.’

Jason snarled, “If something happens to this pup, I swear to the Goddess, Talia, I will end you.”

“I didn’t do anything,” I said, my voice quieter now. “You know I wouldn’t hurt a pup.”

Jason turned his head, eyes burning with anger. “You expect me to believe she would risk her own pup just to make you look bad?”

“Yes,” I snapped. “Use your nose, Jason. My scent isn’t on her!”

Jason stood slowly. “When she wakes, you will apologize.” He turned to a warrior and said, “Take her back to her room. She will remain there until Viki awakes.”

He turned a deaf ear to whatever I said.

When Viki finally awoke in the infirmary later that night, I was brought before her. My wrists were still sore from the warrior’s grip. I stood silently at the edge of the room, flanked by warriors, as she blinked dramatically at the ceiling and moaned like she was waking from a coma.

“Oh… Luna Talia…” she yelped, her voice trembling. “Please… don’t hurt my pup…”

My jaw clenched as I resisted the urge to call her a liar.

“She lunged at me. Said she’d never let a bastard take her place. I… I was terrified…”

Jason stood beside her bed, his arms crossed. I prayed, just once, that he would question her. That he would stop pretending this made sense when everything told him that she was lying.

“Is there any proof?” he asked. “Anyone who saw it?”

I exhaled in relief until Viki turned her head and gave a wounded little sigh.

“Clara saw it.”

My breath caught.

“No,” I said immediately. “No, Clara wasn’t even in the kitchen with us.”

The door opened, and my mousy little maid stepped inside, her scent reeking of fear. Her hands were wringing her apron, her head bowed low.

“I… I did,” Clara whispered. “I saw it. Luna Talia was upset, and she… she lunged. She didn’t touch her on purpose, but it was… it was threatening and...”

My stomach dropped. How could she lie like that? After all that we had been through, she was turning back on me too.

“Clara,” I said, barely recognizing my own voice. “Look at me in the eyes and speak the truth.”

Clara couldn’t. Her gaze stayed glued to the floor. I flexed my Luna aura and growled, “Speak the damned truth now!”

Jason sneered. “You’re shameless, Talia. How could you bully your own maid into lying for you?”

“She IS lying. Someone threatened her to do this. She wasn’t even-”

“Enough! Take her to the dungeon,” Jason snapped.

“No!” I growled, my wolf rising to the surface. “You can’t…”

Two warriors grabbed me. I thrashed, snapping my fangs, my claws slicing them, surprising them with my strength. My wolf snarled, ready to take control to defend me.

“I am your Luna!” I shouted. “You would drag your Luna over the lies of a shameless slut??”

Jason growled, “You stopped being Luna the moment you endangered my heir!”

Then Viki sat up slightly, her hand raised daintily like she was some benevolent queen.

“Wait,” she said. “I don’t want her punished. Not if she’s willing to apologize and serve me until the pup is born.”

I choked on my breath. Of course this is what she wanted. She wanted to break me, destroy me, and this was the last step.

Viki’s eyes gleamed with triumph. “I understand this is difficult for you, Talia, and I know you lost control of your wolf, but I have to set an example for the pack as Luna that things like this can’t be allowed.”

Jason then looked at me. “It’s a generous offer. You should take it.”

He didn’t correct her for calling herself Luna.

I didn’t know if I wanted to laugh or cry.

“A generous offer,” I repeated, my voice low, “That is what you think, Jason?”

“Yes, it is more than you deserve.”

My wolf whimpered in shame. ‘We are nothing to him now. Nothing.’

I stood tall, forcing back the tears. “I would rather be exiled than grovel at the feet of a liar.”

Jason’s gaze was ice. “Just stop it. I’m giving you one final chance, Talia. Apologize or I’m throwing you into the dungeon.”

I bowed my head and he smirked, “Good girl.”

I looked up, my gaze bore into his as I said, “I, Talia Carson, reject you, Jason Dalton as my mate and as my Alpha.”

Viki gasped and Jason stiffened, but I turned around and walked out. I didn’t want to see his reaction. I didn’t care.

My legs trembled, but I didn’t fall until I reached the guest suite. I closed and locked the door.

I dropped to my knees and finally allowed the tears to fall.

‘He doesn’t deserve us. This pack doesn’t deserve us. Let us leave this place to the unworthy,’ my wolf urged.

I opened the mind link that I hadn’t used for years.

‘Solon…’

There was a pause, only a few seconds before his voice came steady and calm.

‘Talia, where are you?’

‘Brother, I want to go home...’ I whimpered.