⚠️TRIGGER WARNING: This chapter contains graphic depictions of physical abuse, assault, intimidation, alcohol-influenced violence against a vulnerable character, and themes of helplessness and repeated trauma. It may be deeply distressing for some readers. Please skip if easily triggered.
MIRABEL
I only wanted to double-check. One quick sweep through the house to make sure nothing was out of place, no forgotten glasses, no crumbs on the counters, no beds rumpled from careless afternoon naps, before the pack returned from the ball in a drunken, irritable swarm. If Alpha Sebastian walked in and found even one thing wrong, the night would end in blood. Mine.
In and out, I repeated silently, the words a shaky mantra as I slipped from the narrow door of my shack. Just in and out. Fast and qu
