The morning comes too fast, like always, when you're dreading it.
I could stay here. Just do not move. Keep my eyes closed. Let the morning stretch out forever in this bed, in this moment, where Sirus is still just down the hall, and the war is still just a threat, and my sister hasn't—
My throat closes. Family and betrayal never sit well.
Rose stirs. The cub must be protected, she murmurs, her voice sliding through my thoughts. This is how we protect him.
I know.
I slip out from between them as carefully, peeling Cade's arm away inch by inch. River's hand brushes my hip as I move.
The floor is cold under my feet. Every step feels wrong, final.
I reach his door and just... stop.
My hand hovers over the knob.
Breathe.
He's awake. Sitting on the edge of his bed with his legs dan
