Modric’s POV
I drove straight to Velvera’s cottage after leaving the pack house.
The road was dark and nearly empty, but I barely noticed the turns. Mary Ann’s face remained in my mind, red-eyed and tired as she stood behind her door. I could still see the way she had wiped her tears before asking what I wanted, as though being seen in pain was something shameful.
I had carried the portrait back because I could not tolerate seeing the empty wall.
I had found the academy photograph because I wanted to understand what I had done.
I had tried to apologize.
Then I had failed.
Again.
The words had been inside me, but pride and shame had trapped them behind my teeth. I could command warriors, challenge elders, and face enemies without fear, yet I could not look at Mary Ann and say two si
