The conservatory was warmer than the rest of the Keep—barely. Frost crept along the glass walls like silver veins. Faint sunlight filtered through, illuminating rows of winter herbs clinging to life.
Sera wandered between planters, fingers brushing dried lavender and withered sage. She inhaled their familiar scent, letting it anchor her.
Behind her, glass shattered.
She froze.
A bottle had fallen near the southern bed—blue liquid staining the tile like bruised ink.
Alpha Noah stood over it, jaw tight, gloves dripping tonic.
“Damn it," he muttered.
Sera knelt instantly. She pulled a cloth from her pocket and reached for his hand.
He flinched back. “I don't need help."
She paused, then slowly placed the cloth on the stone instead.
Noah looked at the mess, then her.
“What are you e
