46. Debrief: A Brother Lost

Nero

Sitting in my office, I can feel the weight of everything we’ve lost pressing down on me like a fucking boulder. The air is heavy with tension, the kind that makes it hard to breathe, let alone think clearly.

I look across the desk at Camellia, her eyes full of worry and exhaustion, and Orion, who’s leaning back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest, jaw clenched tight. They’re both waiting for me to explain, to tell them what the fuck happened out there.

I lean back, running a hand through my hair, trying to figure out where to start. The words feel thick in my throat, and for the first time in a long while, I don’t know what to say.

“A few packs,” I begin, my voice rougher than I intended, “we couldn’t save them in time. Some of the strongest packs, packs we’ve fought alongside for years, are gone.”

Camellia’s eyes widen, her hand coming up to cover her mouth. “What exactly do you mean by gone, Nero?” she whispers, like she’s trying to process what that even means.

“The cu