THIRD PERSON POV

Ryker sat in his study, the morning light casting long shadows across the floor. His eyes were distant, fixed on nothing. He hadn’t slept.

He couldn’t.

The moment he’d marked Vera, he felt Lyra’s pain — sharp, soul-deep. It had ripped through the bond like fire.

He’d told her he loved her. Promised her everything. Yet, broke it all.

Ezren entered first, followed by Lief. They paused at the door, sensing the storm in Ryker’s silence.

“She’s hurting,” ...