Kael's POV

The pack hospital smelled like antiseptic and sterile things, which did not cover up the coppery taste of Lyra's blood, which seemed to have burned itself into my senses. It smelled like my failure. I had promised to keep her safe, but now she was on a gurney, pale as the moon, and her life force was fading because of my son's poisonous pride.

Alistair, the pack doctor, wiped his hands on a towel and let his shoulders droop in defeat. This made me feel even more cold and scared. ...