Kaius turned to see his father, King Markus, standing with his usual commanding presence. Despite the sternness in his tone, his eyes held a softness that Kaius rarely saw. He hesitated, then nodded, falling into step beside his father as they left the training grounds.
They walked in silence for a while, the quiet interrupted only by the crunch of gravel under their boots. Finally, Markus spoke. “I’ve noticed your distraction, Kaius. It’s affecting you in training, and that’s not good, for you or the pack. People are talking, you can’t show this type of weakness.”
Kaius clenched his fists, his frustration bubbling to the surface. “I know, Father. I’m trying.”
Markus stopped and turned to face him, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. “It’s not just about trying. You need to focus. I un
