Damon's POV
The weekly soothing session began. Aria's presence filled the private chamber, her voice soft but steady as she guided the energy between our wolves.
I could feel Rhein becoming stronger and steadier, the fractures in my essence slowly knitting together.
The partnership project advanced without a hitch, designs sharpening into reality with every meeting.
Yet my mood only darkened.
She's hiding something, I thought, watching her across the table during the session. I can feel it in the bond. At any moment, she'll run again.
Rhein paced restlessly inside me. Keep her close. She belongs here. With us.
I clenched my jaw and said nothing, letting the session end with professional courtesy.
"Good work today," I told her, my voice controlled. "The eastern wing design is approv
