Chapter 9 - The Reunion of the Bloodline
Elara looked down at the kneeling king, seeing the broken, remorseful man beneath the crown. She knew words would not fix the past, but she also knew the future demanded truth.
“You must come to Stonehaven,” Elara said quietly. “There are two children waiting for you there who know nothing of palaces, only storms and safety.”
Two days later, King Cassian stood at the edge of the Stonehaven clearing, his heart hammering against his ribs like a caged beast. Elara stood beside him as two small figures ran out from the cabin—Rowan with his bright, curious eyes, and Rose holding a wooden carving of a wolf.
“Mama!” Rowan shouted, before stopping dead in his tracks as he saw the towering stranger in royal furs standing beside her.
Cassian’s breath caught in his throat. He looked down and saw his own face staring back at him in the boy’s features, and the fierce, independent spark of Elara in his daughter’s eyes. He dropped slowly to his knees, opening his arms.
“Rowan... Rose,” Cassian choked out, his voice thick with emotion. “I am your father.”
Rose hid behind Elara’s skirts, but Rowan stepped forward, tilting his head. “Are you the king who lives in the big castle?”
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“Yes,” Cassian whispered, tears finally spilling over his lashes. “And I am so, so sorry I wasn’t here.”
Rowan looked at Elara, seeking permission. When Elara nodded with a gentle, healing smile, the boy stepped forward into his father’s arms. Rose followed a second later, wrapping her tiny arms around Cassian’s neck. The Alpha King broke down, burying his face in their copper hair, the broken pieces of his soul finally locking back into place.
