The laughter faded gradually.
Not abruptly.
Not as though reality had suddenly returned and stolen the moment from them.
Instead, it lingered in the air like sunlight reflected across the surface of the water.
Leo remained entirely unaware of the significance of what had just happened.
As far as he was concerned, he had defeated a giant wolf in combat and secured a victory that would undoubtedly be remembered for generations.
Roman allowed him to believe it.
Tessa sat quietly at the edge of the pool, still smiling despite herself.
The expression felt unfamiliar on her face.
For years, survival had consumed so much of her energy that simple happiness had become something distant and rare.
She couldn't remember the last time she had laughed without immediately feeling guilty afterw
