*Starblood Pack — The Balcony*
Crystal leaned against the carved stone railing of her balcony, silver eyes tracing the sky as dawn gave way to pale blue light. The wind brushed her skin.
Her thoughts were quiet, too quiet. Aelira had gone silent since their connection that morning.
Behind her, the door opened softly.
Ryder stepped into the sunlight, golden eyes finding her immediately. His bare chest bore the golden markings of the bond, still glowing faintly.
“You left the bed,” he murmured, sliding his arms around her waist from behind.
“I couldn’t sleep,” she said, leaning into him. “My mind’s still full.”
“Of what?”
Crystal hesitated. “The power. The changes. The things I don’t understand.”
He rested his chin on her shoulder. “Then let’s understand them together.”
She turned
