Chapter 0230

Tears streamed down my cheeks as Victor finished his account. Every word rang with undeniable truth. Not a single note of deception colored his story. Sebastian had seated me in the second chair before beginning his restless pacing. Through our bond, I sensed his turmoil, the frustration churning inside him.

"Why didn't you tell my father this story back then?" Sebastian demanded.

"Your father was drowning in grief, consumed by vengeance. He wouldn't have listened to me any more than you have these past six months."

The words struck Sebastian like physical blows. I felt their impact through our connection. He knew Victor spoke the truth, and the realization was eating him alive.

I rose and went to him. For a moment he remained rigid, then his arms encircled me. He buried his face in my neck, inhaling deeply as he fought for composure. We stood locked together until his breathing steadied.

When he pulled back, his gaze returned to Victor. "What about Evelyn? Why try to forcibly mark her?"

Victor stood and began pacing the confined space. "Too many power-hungry, incompetent Alphas exist. They care nothing for their packs, only their own ambitions. As a rogue, I encountered countless wolves who'd fled such tyrants. The Alpha bloodline is flawed. Corrupt fathers breed worse sons, creating miserable packs with nowhere for decent wolves to go."

I understood this better than Sebastian ever could. Six years on the run had shown me exactly the suffering Victor described.

"What does this have to do with Evelyn?" I asked softly. Sebastian moved behind me, his arms encircling my waist, anchoring me against him.

"I wanted to build a sanctuary. A safe haven for those fleeing abusive packs or seeking fresh starts. To establish such a pack, I needed a strong Luna. As a Beta's second son, I required that strength. And no one is stronger than a Guardian." Victor's shoulders slumped. "Forcing the bond was wrong. I'll carry that regret forever."

Sebastian studied me thoughtfully before addressing Victor. "I need time to process this. Evelyn and Adrian arrive tonight. No decisions will be made until we speak with them."

Victor nodded and returned to his seat. Sebastian turned to the guards. "See he gets a shower, clean clothes, and proper meals. Move him to a fresher cell." Victor's head snapped up in surprise.

"Yes, Alpha," the guards chorused.

As we turned to leave, Victor spoke. "Thank you, Alpha."

Sebastian gave a curt nod but kept moving, his grip on my hand unyielding. Upstairs, he pulled me into a crushing embrace. His guilt and frustration pulsed through our bond.

"Clean slate, remember?" I murmured.

"How could I have been so blind? I nearly executed an innocent man. Instead, I've tormented the wolf who tried to save my mother."

"The past can't be changed. Only the future." I held him tighter.

He exhaled sharply before stepping back. "Come. I've got a surprise before your training with Gregory."

We drove to the border district, stopping before a sleek salon. My pulse jumped when I recognized our destination. "A haircut?" Excitement made me bounce in my seat.