The fire consuming part of the ruined street painted the darkness with restless shades of gold and crimson while smoke drifted slowly toward the storm-covered heavens, and Alessandro stood at one end of the shattered roadway with rain gathering upon his dark coat as his gaze remained fixed upon the younger brother who had once followed him through every challenge childhood could invent. Time had changed many things. Distance had changed many things. Elara had changed everything.
Across from him, Alexander remained motionless despite the pressure radiating from the older Alpha because surrender had never suited his nature, and years spent living beyond the influence of family expectations had forged a determination that refused bending simply because someone stronger demanded obedience. His jaw remained tight. His posture remained steady. His resolve remained unbroken.
