Sunlight crept through the curtains, spilling gold across the soft furs of my bed.
My head throbbed from the long night… the party, the noise, the shouts, the humiliation. My body ached in places I didn't even know could ache. And, of course, the memory of Kaelen, smirking, teasing, standing so close, lingered like a shadow I couldn't shake.
I tried to ignore it. I told myself I hated him. I really did.
The knock came just as I stretched and tried to convince myself I could get another hour of rest.
"Ma'am?" A soft voice called.
I blinked and saw Talia standing at the door, holding a small bundle of black fabric. Her warm eyes met mine.
"The Alpha wants you," she said gently. "Dressed. At the training ground. Immediately."
I groaned and flopped back onto the bed.
