Julian's hands were clenched so tightly that the veins in his arms rose like cords beneath his skin. His wolf was shaking under the surface, scent sharp with regret.
"It's… all my fault," he muttered.
His voice cracked. For a split second, something inside my chest tugged
not pity, not kindness…
something colder. A mix of pity and disgust.
Was he finally feeling loss?
If he was, good.
He was tasting a fraction of the pain I drowned in.
Vicky's voice broke through the heavy silence, sharp like a beta trying too hard to sound important.
"Riley, please. This is a memorial. Your tone and expression are a bit… much.".
"Really, Vicky?" I asked softly.
"I've been hearing all kinds of things about Julian and his mate. Honestly, I feel terrible for Ms. Morrigan. She gave everything for love… and he left her to die. Alone. On a freezing night. By the river."
I let my words hang in the air.
"Can anyone tell me what Julian was doing while she was losing hope?"
Julian flinched.
