Chapter 14 Shadows Of The Past (I)

• The photograph trembled in Aurelius's hands, candlelight dancing across Eden's frozen smile. Twenty-three years had passed since the image was captured, yet her silver-grey eyes seemed to pierce through time itself, accusing him with their warmth.
• "My mate," Conri whimpered within his mind, the wolf's voice heavy with ancient grief. "We failed her."
• Aurelius traced the edge of the photograph with his thumb, memories flooding back like a dam bursting. The scent of jasmine that always clung to Eden's hair. The way her laughter could fill an entire room. The gentle curve of her belly when she carried their child.