I feel my grandfather stir next to me, turn to embrace him. He's still Oleksander, though he's lost weight from his time in captivity and I can only assume Caine and Rupe have treated him badly.

When I pull away, he touches my face with gentle, giant hands, weeping openly. "My darling Sharlotta," he whispers.

The white wolf who is my mother barks sharply at him. Oleksander looks up, stares at her with sadness. "Forgive me," he ...