Lucian's Pov
I should've known.
No, I did know. Not in full, not with certainty—but deep down, I'd felt the pieces shifting into place. The half-lies, the misdirection, the perfect timing. The way Kael always lingered close, too loyal, too convenient. But the way Sera looked at him… trusted him… had kept my mouth shut longer than it should've.
And now I stood face-to-face with the truth. The traitor. The rogue leader.
Kael.
He didn't even try to look apologetic. Standing protectively in front of Jasper's trembling human form, he had the same cocky slant to his mouth he wore during training drills, like we were sparring and this was all just a game.
"You really are the rogue leader."
"I was wondering when you'd figure it out," Kael drawled, keeping a protective hand around Jasper. "Took you long enough. And here I thought you were supposed to be clever. You were right beside me for weeks."
