Hope's POV.
I smile when I’m supposed to. I laugh when everyone else does. I even manage to win a round of charades when Morgana insists we play as couples. But inside, I feel like I’m slowly coming undone.
The room is buzzing with warmth and easy conversation, but I can’t seem to reach it. I sit next to Malakar, his hand occasionally brushing against mine beneath the table — grounding me — but even that doesn’t pull me out of the fog completely. I want to be here. I want to be part of this — this messy, healing, beautiful chaos they’re building back together. Lucian is smiling more than I’ve ever seen him smile. Malakar is laughing — actually laughing. Velara is glowing with something close to peace. And Morgana? She’s in her element, ruling over this strange, blended pack-family with t
