Kael's voice exploded above me: "Who the hell said those are your pup's initials?!"
I was on the ground. My knees had landed on scattered shards of broken pottery—pain shot through me, sharp enough to steal my breath.
I looked up, my wolf snarling beneath my skin.
Kael had Raven cradled protectively against his chest, his body curved around her in a shielding stance. And behind him stood Morwen, his mother, holding an infant wrapped in ceremonial swaddling in her arms.
So that was Kael's illegitimate pup.
When I'd whelped Seren, Morwen had claimed she wasn't experienced enough to assist with the birthing. Said she'd rather hire an expensive nursemaid from the healer's circle than risk harming my daughter with her inexpert hands.
Now I understood the truth. She simply preferred male heirs to carry the Ashvale name.
Before I could process any of it, Kael turned to face me fully. The disgust burning in his amber eyes hit me like a physical blow.
"Lyra!" His lip curled back, revealing the sharp points of his canines. "Are you done with your little breakdown? Then get out of here. Stop harassing my mate!"
Mate?