**Snow Pack Castle – Flashback Continues**

“You’re not going anywhere, Alpha,” Luna Cleo declared, voice trembling but iron-hard. “*Never*.”

“Cleo,” Alpha Ice said gently, turning to face her. “It’s my duty. As one of the Alphas, I have to do this.”

“What about the others? What about… his son? Prince Ice?”

“Enough, Cleo.” His voice cracked like thunder—sharp enough to make her flinch.

Luna Cleo’s eyes filled instantly. “You’ve never raised your voice at me… not once. But today…”

She broke, tears spilling over as she pressed a hand to her mouth.

“Father, please don’t go,” little Prince Eric whimpered, clutching the hem of his father’s robe.

Alpha Ice knelt...