Casaio took the glass of wine from his father, watching as Raidan leaned back with a look of pride.
"I always believed you would choose your duty over love," Alpha King Raidan said. "For ten years, every time we asked about your marriage plans, you brought up Zilia. You stood by her."
Casaio stared into the wine before raising his eyes. "Father… I would never choose a traitor over my people. Over you. I got caught in something I didn't question. I never tried to see it from another side. That was my mistake."
Raidan nodded slowly, setting his glass down on the table with a soft clink. He clasped his hands, brows drawing together in contemplation. "I won't fault you for what you felt. You simply found your mate in her. It's natural. But feelings don't outweigh treason."
He exhaled deeply, keeping his gaze steady. "I've made my decision. Zilia will be executed. Showing mercy to a spy would be dangerous."
