Aziel’s POV
The night had settled over the pack lands, a blanket of stars scattered across the sky, as if the universe had decided to spill its secrets to anyone willing to listen. I stood on the balcony of the packhouse, the cool night breeze brushing against my skin, trying to clear my head after the chaos of the day. My thoughts had been spiraling ever since my conversation with Lailani earlier. There was something about her—something deeper—that I couldn't quite put my finger on.
As if summoned by my thoughts, I heard soft footsteps behind me. I turned to see Lailani standing at the doorway, her lavender eyes shimmering in the moonlight. She was always so composed, so measured in her movements, but tonight there was something different. A weight in her expression, a vulnerability I h
