Kieran didn't go home.
He couldn't. Not when his blood was still boiling, not when Selene's scent still clung to his skin, and definitely not when the weight of her words sat heavy in his chest like a curse.
Instead, he found himself in the one place he never thought he'd return to—the underground archives of the Brotherhood.
The Brotherhood was an ancient order that governed the supernatural laws. It was made up of warriors, enforcers, and scholars who maintained the fragile balance between their kind and the human world. Kieran had walked away from them years ago when he chose war over politics.
But now, he needed answers.
He moved through the darkened halls, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows on the stone walls. The scent of aged parchment and magic lingered in the air, a stark reminder that knowledge here always came with a price.
A familiar voice stopped him before he could reach the restricted archives.
"You must be desperate if you're coming to me."
Kieran turned to see Ronan leaning against the doorway, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.
Ronan was a rogue scholar, someone who thrived in the gray areas of supernatural law. If anyone had the knowledge Kieran needed, it was him.
Kieran didn't waste time. "Tell me how to break a supernatural bond without consequences."
Ronan's smirk faded. His golden eyes darkened as he stepped closer, studying Kieran carefully. "And whose bond are we talking about?"
Kieran clenched his jaw. "Selene."
Ronan let out a low whistle. "Let me guess—her mate isn't willing to let go?"
Kieran's fists tightened. "Damien will never let her go. But I will find a way to take her back."
Ronan exhaled, rubbing a hand over his face. "You don't just 'take back' a bonded mate, Kieran. You know that."
"I don't care about the laws."
"Maybe you should," Ronan shot back. "Because breaking a supernatural bond without consent—especially one involving someone as powerful as Damien—is a direct challenge. It's a declaration of war."
Kieran's eyes burned with determination. "Then let it be war."
Ronan studied him for a long moment before shaking his head. "You're out of your damn mind."
"Just tell me how."
Ronan sighed, walking toward one of the dusty bookshelves and pulling out a thick, ancient tome. He flipped through the pages before stopping at one, his fingers tracing over the faded text.
"There is a way," he admitted. "But it's not simple."
Kieran's jaw tightened. "Tell me."
Ronan met his gaze. "To break a bond, you need one of three things: the bonded mate's willing rejection, a blood sacrifice of equal power, or…" He hesitated.
Kieran's patience was razor-thin. "Or what?"
Ronan exhaled. "Or you have to kill the bonded mate."
Silence filled the space between them.
Kieran already knew Damien wouldn't willingly let Selene go.
Which left him with only two options.
And one of them would cost Selene more than he was willing to risk.
That left only one path forward.
Kieran's hands curled into fists.
Damien had sealed his fate the moment he put his hands on her.
If killing him was the only way to free Selene…
Then Kieran would make sure the bastard never lived to see another sunrise.