68

Kai’s POV

Stepping out of my mother’s chamber was like a breath of fresh air. After having that tense conversation with her, I was left with a heavy heart with an awfully bitter taste in my mouth.

I hate to think Mother was right, but my thoughts have been left churning ever since she called me out on my decision. Mother's word was now stuck in my head, and I couldn't help but second-guess my decision to have Nadia imprisoned without concrete proof.

As the Alpha of this great pack, the weight of my choices hung heavy on my shoulders, whether right or wrong. It was my cross to carry.

I inhaled a breath as soon as I stepped into the hallway and retreated further into my study room, where several candlelight sat on the table across from me. The scroll-bound books on the shelves, filled with the history of our pack, offered no comfort to the loneliness that enveloped me.

I walked over to the short, rectangular table by the side and poured the whiskey into the long glass that awaited me. I