For the first time since their bond was formed, there is no audience.
No council waiting outside closed doors No warriors passing in the halls No expectations pressing in from every direction.
Just a home.
Not the grand Alpha chambers. Not the cold, structured space built for authority and command. But a smaller place tucked deeper within the territory.
Quiet. Private. Chosen.
Rayven made that decision himself.
No guards inside. No interruptions unless summoned. No responsibilities beyond what they decide to carry.
At first, it feels unnatural.
Too still. Too quiet. Like something important has been forgotten.
But that’s the point. To strip everything away. Until all that’s left is them.
....
The morning begins without urgency.
No summons. No reports. No obligations.
Sunlight
