BIANCA’S POV

After resting for almost an hour, we prepared to continue our journey. As we helped Leonardo to his feet, I couldn’t help but ask, “Elijah, why… Why are you helping us?”

He paused, a familiar spark glinting in his amber eyes. “Bianca,” he began, his voice low and earnest, “Leonardo’s more than just an alpha to me. He’s my cousin, my family.”

My breath hitched, surprise momentarily eclipsing the pain in my heart. “Your cousin? But… Alessandro…”

Elijah’s expression hardened. “Alessandro blinded himself to pack ties long ago. For years, we suspected Alessandro of foul play, of being the person releasing those mad rogues, but we couldn’t prove...