Chapter 223

Lucius's POV At this moment, I was filled with regret, self-loathing, and anger toward myself. The cigarette butt burned against my fingers, but I didn't release it despite the pain. I stared at the direction Claire had disappeared, feeling as if my soul had floated away with her. Beta Adam stood behind me, his presence quiet but concerned. "Alpha Lucius, is this really the right way? Why don't you tell Ms. Pierce the truth? You're suffering, and she's suffering too," Adam advised gently. I continued staring at where Claire had gone, my voice hollow. "No. That kind of desperate pain is enough for one person to bear. I won't make her endure it too." "But—" Adam started to argue. "Enough," I cut him off sharply. "I've made my decision. We're leaving now." Adam drove me to the hospital where I now stood before the sterile isolation room, staring through the glass. Inside lay a small body on the white hospital bed—a boy just over a year old with an adorable haircut. His chubby little hands