I drew a sharp breath, forced down the surge of fury. For as long as I could remember, that voice brought orders I had no choice but to obey. This time would be no different. Regarding my dear...
Father.
"The Alpha has issued a command." Duke, the pack's messenger, wore that flawless smile as always. "Cease the search. Layla Gray has been judged guilty and is now deceased. The case is closed. Do not squander pack resources further."
I nearly objected on instinct. No—too many unanswered questions remained. How could they simply declare her guilty—
"Mr. Kayden, one more thing. The Alpha insisted I place this directly in your hands."
Duke extended an envelope respectfully. The wax seal bore a howling silver wolf—majestic, the Blackwood crest. But now I found it blindingly harsh.
Evan stood beside me, offering a letter opener. I ignored it, tore the envelope open with barely restrained violence, pulled out that gold-embossed paper. Father's forceful script stared back.
"Remember what I told you, son."
I crushed the letter in my fist, nearly tearing it apart.
"Never repeat my mistakes."
"Stop the search," I said quietly, releasing the crumpled paper. To Evan.
I'd already made my choice. Rejected Layla before everyone. Denied the bond. Proved I wouldn't be ruled by instinct. Proved myself a worthy Alpha.
Now she was dead. This was the best outcome.
No entanglement. No weakness. No curse.
That was Father's message.
"Sir?"
"I said stop the search!" I roared, then turned from the cliff.
I didn't look back at that ocean that had swallowed her whole.
Because I feared that if I did, I'd jump in for her.
A week later, servants sorted through Layla's belongings and found two items.
A diary. And a man's coat.
"This coat..." the servant said, puzzled. "Doesn't appear to be Miss Gray's. Quite old, but well-maintained. We found it in her trunk, folded carefully, right on top."
I took the coat, unfolded it.
Deep gray wool, simple cut, visibly aged. The cuffs worn but meticulously mended. Freshly laundered, carrying a faint trace of rose essential oil.
It looked familiar...
I checked the interior lining, found a faded label bearing a tailor's name and serial number.
My heart stopped.
This was mine.
"There's also this." The servant handed over the diary. "Appears personal. Would you like to examine it?"
I accepted the diary, fingers trembling.
