Auren’s POV
The air felt lighter as I made my way to our room for the night. Just knowing Lorien was inside, probably getting ready for bed, brought an unexpected calm to my chest.
To my relief, the pack had taken the day’s news far better than I’d anticipated. I’d expected suspicion, maybe even resentment, but their reaction to Lorien’s involvement was surprisingly accepting. Aside from a small handful still holding their doubts, most were beginning to warm to her.
All through the evening, Lorien had worn a smile that never seemed to leave her face as she spoke with the others. She looked… happy. And more times than I’d like to admit, I found myself watching her instead of focusing on the conversations around me.
She was beautiful. That realization came like a punch to the gut every t
