Kael’s POV.

I should sit. My body is screaming at me to sit. I don't. I stay at the entrance of the medical tent, watching them sleep. Mira's hand is still wrapped around Lyra's. Cyrus's palm rests on her shoulder. They look like what they are, a family held together by choice and desperation. I'm not part of that circle. I never will be.

Marcus appears beside me, quiet as always. "You need rest, Alpha." "Report first." My voice is rough from smoke and shouting. He doesn't argue. Just pulls ...