At the mention of my parents, Kael's composure cracked—just for a second, but I caught the flicker in his amber eyes.

He quickly suppressed the smirk tugging at his lips and lowered his voice. "They claimed they were traveling to distant territories to rest five years ago. Strange how they never returned to the pack."

"You think I haven't pieced it together?"

I didn't understand what he meant. He continued, "I've known for a long time. They weren't seeking peace—they were fleeing."

"Consider it carefully. The Nightbloom Territory is vast, our pack's dominion unmatched. You truly believe your father built that empire of resources and hunting grounds alone?" He scoffed. "Please. There had to be blood-debts and forbidden dealings involved."

"The way I see it, spending the wealth and territory claims he left you on Raven and her pup is practically an act of mercy. I'm helping ease their guilty consciences before the Moon Goddess judges them."

It finally clicked.

This was why he dared treat me this way. He believed my parents had fled to distant lands because they'd committed some crime against pack law.

What he didn't know was that my parents had spent the past five years expanding the pack's influence across foreign territories and forging alliances with packs beyond our borders.

Their holdings in those distant lands alone were now worth hundreds of bloodline seals and resource claims.

And today was the day they were returning home.

I'd sent them my scent-trail and location through our bond before I even left the den. They'd be here any moment.

The thought steadied my wolf, calming the trembling in my limbs. I took Seren's small hand in mine. "Sweetie, Mommy's taking you home to our true pack. If Daddy wants to be some other pup's father so badly, let him."

Seren couldn't process it. Until today, Kael and Morwen had showered her with affection within the den walls.

Tears streamed down her face as she looked at Kael, shaking her head stubbornly. "Daddy..."

The next second, Raven lunged at my daughter like a feral she-wolf, shoving her toward the cobblestone path leading to the main thoroughfare. "What are you, a stray omega? Crying at someone else's den entrance!"

Seren was small for her age, her wolf not yet awakened. She went down hard, tumbling onto the stone road.

A pack transport carriage was coming, drawn by swift horses.

I didn't think. I just moved, throwing myself toward her with every ounce of strength my body possessed. "Seren!"

Seeing Seren nearly trampled, Kael and Morwen's faces went pale as moonlight.

Kael took a step forward—but Raven grabbed his arm, her claws digging into his sleeve. "My mate... my belly aches so terribly... I think the wound from the confrontation might have torn open..."

He stopped. His expression softened as he steadied her against his chest. "Don't fret. I'll take you to the healers right now."

Seren and I lay crumpled on the cold stones, inches from the carriage's screeching wheels. Kael cradled Raven in his arms like she was made of spun moonsilver.

I couldn't hold back anymore. "Kael! You're going to regret this!"

He paused, then turned to look at me with those cold amber eyes. "Raven cannot bear pain well, and you made her wound reopen with your accusations. I haven't even settled that score with you yet."

"You'd better pray to the Moon Goddess she heals properly." His voice turned cold as winter frost. "Otherwise, you and your pup are going to kneel before her and beg forgiveness."

"You don't get to leave this market square until she grants it."

The words had barely left his mouth when the carriage door behind me swung open with a thunderous crack.

My father's voice—the voice of a true Alpha—thundered across the scene, carrying the weight of absolute dominion. "Kneel? The only one who should be kneeling is you, whelp."