Chapter 51: Shadow's Protection
(Grace's POV)
The morning started with a weight tugging at my chest as I rubbed a thumb over the pendant now placed back around my neck. The intricate design felt heavier than it had when Alexander claimed me during our mating ceremony.
Now, it wasn’t a symbol of love; it was a chain tying me to a painful reality I hadn’t been able to escape.
Lucas, ever observant, gave me a teasing nudge as we strolled through the pack's commercial district. “You’re quiet today. Is it the pendant?”
I cast him a sharp look. His amber-colored eyes softened, and he quickly backpedaled. “Sorry. That was blunt,” he admitted, lowering his voice. “But it’s obvious you have... mixed feelings.”
I sighed heavily, the air around us buzzing with the chatter of pack members
