The morning light filtered through the windows of Karina’s cabin, casting a warm glow over the room. Karina sat at the small kitchen table, watching Nixie as she absentmindedly traced her fingers over the wooden surface, lost in thought. The discovery from the night before still hung heavily in the air.
"You know," Karina said, breaking the silence, "Derek is claiming that you’re his mate."
Nixie’s fingers stopped moving, and she looked up at Karina, her brows furrowing in confusion. "Mate? How can that be?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief. "I’m a witch, Karina. The moon wouldn’t bond me with a wolf. It’s impossible."
Karina smiled softly, understanding her friend’s confusion. "I know it sounds strange, but I’ve seen it firsthand. Derek feels the bond. He’s not mistaken."
Ni
