Kieran stood silently, watching the warriors stationed along the border. The cold in the wind reminded him how harsh this place could be. It had been years since he last came here, and now, he finally understood why Lucien had sent him.
'This wasn't just punishment. It was a lesson.'
Among these wolves who worked tirelessly, protecting their territory from danger and intrusion, Kieran saw what it truly meant to be vigilant and disciplined.
His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.
"What are you thinking about?" Ronan asked, walking up beside him.
Kieran exhaled. "That I made a grave mistake. Lucien was right. I can't afford to be soft-hearted. If Gale and his men had gone further... if they had harmed more people—" He trailed off, guilt thick in his voice. "It would've been on me."
Ronan nodded. "True."
Kieran hesitated, then looked sideways at him. "Shouldn't you be angry with me too? I spoke harshly… to both you and Lucien."
