POV: Araya
Three days pass after Araya's return. Three days of rebuilding her relationship with Ronan. Of letting him replace Jasper's memory with new moments. New touches. New promises.
Araya feels lighter than she has in weeks. The ghosts are finally fading. The pull toward Jasper is gone.
She's home. Truly home.
On the fourth morning, a scout runs to the cabin with urgent news.
"Alpha," the scout says, breathless. "Intruders at the border. They're requesting an audience."
Araya's stomach drops. "Who?"
"Your family," the scout says. "The packless ones you banished. They're begging to be let in."
Araya's jaw clenches. "Where are they now?"
"At the northern border," the scout reports. "We have them surrounded. They're not armed. Just desperate."
Araya stands, her Alpha power risi
