Kayden leans in, voice low. "Push me again, and I'll open you up like a Christmas present. We'll see what you're made of. I'm sure it's the same as anyone: blood, flesh, and bullshit."
"That's enough!" Donna's voice cracks across the rain. "Show some respect to Winston."
Jace's fists tremble. He turns his glare on me, voice sharp. "Uncle trusted you. That's the last thread holding. Pay your respects, Asher, but don't ask for more. As long as you let your reckless brother run unchecked, I'm done. I won't be part of your group."
He turns, stalking off. The pack moves with him, a ripple of tension following in his wake.
I let out a slow breath, heavy with frustration. "Was that necessary?" I ask Kayden.
He shrugs. "He started it."
Donna rounds on him. "You did, Kayden. You lit the match and let everything burn."
Kayden shakes his head, retreating against the car. "I'll wait here. I won't go where I'm not wanted."
Eira watches him, then turns to me, something close to disappointment flickering in her eyes. "I'll go with Jace. There are rituals I must attend."
I nod. "All right. I'll be there soon. We're waiting for Astrid and Sage."
Then it's just Donna and Tomas left.
Tomas glances at Kayden's back, then at me. He voices his question carefully. "What's the plan now, Colonel?"
"We wait. If Astrid brings word on that weapon, we'll have leverage."
He nods, but his eyes say what he won't. Doubt. Distrust. I can't fault him. I was down when it counted. Winston is dead. Darius still holds the upper hand.
Worse—I can't control my own. Sage went to Darius behind my back. Kayden left a trail of bodies. The group is fractured, trust splintered. Somewhere along the line, it all shifted. Maybe beyond repair.
That's on me. I let Kayden run unchecked. They're not wrong about that.
Donna breaks the silence, her voice edged with worry. "Do you think the weapon will come through? And if it does… what will you do with it?"
"Kill him, obviously," Kayden says without turning.
Tomas shakes his head. "It won't be that simple, I think. Hawthorn is both cunning and powerful. He won't let you close."
"We'll find a way," I cut in. "But first, the funeral. Winston deserves respect."
Donna and Tomas nod solemnly.
Headlights sweep the lot. Astrid's car pulls in. She steps out. Alone.
"Where's Sage?" I ask immediately.
Kayden stiffens, alert.
"She tore her dress," Astrid says. "She's supposed to come in Kayden's car. She'll be here soon."
I scan the road. Nothing. She could be on her way. Or…
Kayden meets my eyes. We're both uneasy.
"Did anything else happen?" I press Astrid.
"How could you leave her alone?" Kayden snaps.
Astrid turns on him. "Because she's an adult woman who doesn't need a babysitter to attend a funeral." Then to me: "I got a message about the satyr-killing blade. It's on the market. Sixty grand. Sage suggested we wait until after the funeral to discuss."
