If you continue defending your brother, Clara will forever see you as the sister of the wolf who harmed her. Every time she looks at you, she will remember that night.
Then his tone softened again.
Almost pleading.
But if you come back to us… if you stand beside her and show her you believe her, we can still fix this.
The pack will see their Luna standing beside her Alpha.
You can still save our bond, Aria.
My fingers trembled as I wiped the tears from my cheeks.
I felt completely helpless.
So that’s what you want? I asked quietly.
You want me to choose between you… and my own brother.
Caleb didn’t answer.
The silence spoke louder than any words.
I inhaled slowly before speaking again.
Then listen to me carefully, Caleb.
My thoughts trembled, but I forced the words forward.
You stand with your sister, and I will stand with my brother. If it turns out Marcus truly committed something unforgivable, I will kneel before Clara myself and beg for her forgiveness in front of the entire pack.
I swallowed the painful lump in my throat.
But until the truth is revealed… I will not abandon him.
The silence that followed felt colder than the longest winter night.
Finally Caleb spoke again.
His voice sounded distant.
Bitter.
Fine.
Do whatever you want. If you’re determined to destroy what we have, then go ahead.
He paused.
I… I don’t even recognize you anymore, Aria.
His words cut deeper than claws.
I don’t know who you’ve become.
Before I could respond, the mindlink snapped shut.
But not before I felt the echo of his broken sob through the fading bond.
My hand slowly fell to my lap.
Fresh tears slid down my pale cheeks as quiet whimpers escaped my throat, soon turning into uncontrollable sobs.
Why, Caleb?
Why couldn’t he wait for the truth?
Why was he so determined to end our bond like this?
“Aria…”
Marcus’s voice broke through my thoughts.
I hurriedly wiped my face, not wanting him to see me like this. I didn’t want him blaming himself for my pain.
But the more I wiped my tears, the more they fell.
When I finally looked up at him, my eyes were swollen and burning.
“I’m sorry,” Marcus whispered.
His voice was heavy with guilt.
“I’m so sorry, sis.”
He wrapped his arms around me tightly.
I could feel his body trembling as he cried as well.
I immediately shook my head and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead.
“No,” I said firmly.
“You don’t need to apologize.”
I pulled back slightly so he could see the truth in my eyes.