Sylvia's POV For days, no news of Zane surfaced. Rumor had it he was being held in temporary detention, unlikely to be released for several days at least. My life gradually settled back into a semblance of normality, though Caesar remained as busy as ever. We rarely crossed paths in his apartment, like two ships passing in the night. My mind was preoccupied with unspoken thoughts, making me distracted and restless. My wolf paced within me, sensing my unease but unable to soothe it. Days slipped by like water between fingers, and soon, my mother's birthday celebration arrived. "Sivi," Caesar said that morning, fastening his cufflinks as he prepared to leave. "I have some matters to handle today. I might be late to the party." The words I'd been rehearsing died on my lips. M

