Kaelen's POV
I stared at Sera's face in the dim light of my study, her golden eyes fierce with conviction as she demanded I share my burdens with her. The mere suggestion of letting go of my control—the iron grip I'd maintained on my emotions since childhood—sent a spike of panic through me.
"You don't understand what you're asking," I said, my voice rough. "If I start, I might not be able to stop."
Sera shifted in my lap, her small hands framing my face. "Then don't stop. I'm right here."
Something snapped inside me like a dam breaking. Rage—pure, undiluted fury—surged through my veins.
"I want to tear Valerius apart with my bare hands," I growled, the words clawing their way out of my throat. "I want him to feel every ounce of pain he's caused. Every child separated from their parents. Every innocent life destroyed."
My hands trembled as they gripped her waist, careful even in my anger not to hurt her.
