Dusk arrived slower than usual.
Or maybe it just felt that way.
The entire pack had gathered in the training grounds without being called twice. No one spoke loudly anymore. Even the usual laughter and rough teasing between younger wolves had faded into something tighter, more contained.
Anticipation.
Denise stood at the center of the clearing.
Not because she had been placed there.
Because she had walked there.
Liam stood a few steps away.
Not facing her.
Not facing the pack.
Just waiting.
The space between them felt noticeable in a way it hadn’t before. Not distance. Not separation. Awareness.
The elder council sat at the edge of the field in a raised stone arc.
Watching.
Judging.
Cael stood slightly off to the side, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
Finally, the elder
