Chapter 82

Caden’s POV The carefully carved wood of the staff glowed faintly, an ominous aura clinging to it like a shroud. Its history was etched in tales of punishment and fear, and even the sight of it made my wolf recoil. My breath hitched in my throat; nothing good had ever come from that staff, a relic of a darker time. The booming resonance of Ronan’s voice echoed through the sterile, white hallways of the hospital. “Caden Walker,” he declared, each word heavy with finality, “You are hereby sentenced to imprisonment. You will await trial according to the laws of the Silver Moon Pack of Silver Lake. Guards, take him.” “No!” I shouted, the word torn from my throat, raw with desperation. “Please, Ronan. At least let me stay. I need to know how she is—how the baby is.” My voice cracked, the vulnerability of it making me cringe. I hated sounding so small, so helpless, but the fear for Lila and our child removed any concern for my own pride. Ronan’s expression, already dark and stormy, intensifi