She looked up at him, her eyes full of fear and love. “I’m scared, Markus. I don’t want to lose you. Or Azriel. Or anyone.”
He kissed her forehead gently, his heart breaking for her. “We will be okay. I love you, Kaia. I’m going to fight with everything I have to make sure I come back to you and our child.”
Kaia clung to him, the scent of him calming her despite the darkness that had filled her vision. “Promise me,” she whispered, her voice so small it nearly broke him.
“I promise,” he whispered back, holding her tightly as though it would be the last time. His heart ached, but he knew he had to let her go. He had to fight, for her, for their future, for Lora, and for the pack.
The moment passed in silence, Kaia resting against him while her tears fell quietly. She pulled back, brushi
