“The pairing.”
It wasn’t whispered this time.
It was said directly.
Across the training grounds.
By Cael.
Denise and Liam were already there when he arrived.
That alone made it feel intentional.
The pack gathered quickly, slower than before but more organized now. No confusion in their movement. No uncertainty in whether they should be watching.
They were meant to watch.
Denise stood beside Liam at the center of the clearing.
Not placed.
Not ordered.
Just… positioned by habit now.
Cael stopped a few paces in front of them.
The elders stood behind him.
But the weight of authority had shifted slightly.
Denise could feel it.
Not gone.
Redistributed.
Cael spoke first.
“The council recognizes the term now in use.”
A pause.
“The pairing.”
The word landed differently when h
