Elin POV

The pack house office offers privacy. Aaron closes the door, and suddenly the space feels too small.

"Victor is in Blood Shadow's dungeons," he says without preamble. "Has been for two months. He's waiting for you to decide his fate."

I grip the edge of the desk. "Lucas?"

"Dementia. He doesn't remember his own name most days." Aaron's voice is flat. "The doctors say he has maybe a year left."

"So it's done." The words taste like ash. "All the threats, all the danger—"

"Our sons ...