Liam’s POV
Stephan adjusted his collar, his smirk fading into something more unreadable. For the first time since walking in, his amusement dimmed. He studied me, those dark eyes sharp and calculating. Then, with an almost imperceptible sigh, he leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees.
"You want to find her?" His voice was softer now, but there was an edge to it—like a blade hidden beneath silk.
I clenched my fists. "I wouldn’t be standing here if I didn’t."
"Then stop thinking like a leader and start thinking like a mate," he said, his tone even, deliberate. "Forget maps. Forget logic. Go back to instinct. You know her scent. You know her presence. Stop letting your rage cloud what you are."
I stared at him, my jaw tightening.
"Go to the woods," he continued, rising from his
