“Well,” he said after a moment, his voice carrying its usual steadiness, “it’s about time you did.”
Before either of us could continue, my phone buzzed insistently in my hand. I glanced at the caller ID and sighed. Thomas.
I answered cautiously, "Thomas?"
“Aurora, finally!" His voice was tight with urgency. "You’ve got to come back to the Storm Pack headquarters. Now.”
I frowned. “Why?”
“It’s Alex,” Thomas said, his words rushed and heavy. “He’s not handling your... continued absence well. It would be safer for everyone if you came voluntarily. Just collect your ceremonial items. Get out clean. Please.”
I pressed a hand to my forehead, the weight of the request settling heavily. “I told you,” I began tightly, “that part of my life is finished—”
“Aurora,” Thomas interrupted, h
