Caden burst out of the orphanage, his body shaking with barely contained rage and fear. The sight of Damien with Lyra, the easy way she smiled at him, the blatant challenge in Damien's eyes... It was too much.
He stumbled to his car, his hands trembling as he fumbled with the keys. He had to get away, had to put some distance between himself and the overwhelming surge of emotions that threatened to consume him.
He drove aimlessly, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and instincts. The rational part of him knew he had no claim on Lyra, that she was free to spend time with whoever she pleased. But the dragon within him roared with possessive fury, demanding that he tear Damien limb from limb for daring to touch what was his.
Caden's breath came in ragged gasps, his vision starti
