Octavia's Point of View
The laughter fades slowly, like the last embers of a fire. Our plates scraped empty, cups drain of their final sips of water, and the table quiets. The weight of what waits outside the pack house slips back in, wrapping around us all.
Kai is the first to stand, moving carefully, though I can see the stiffness in the way he pushes the chair back. Luke is at his side instantly, offering silent support. Across from me, Rafael’s jaw sets as he wipes his hands on a napkin, already shifting into the sharp focus I know too well.
Trevor leans forward, his elbows on the table. “Alright. Playtime is over.” His usual smirk is gone, his tone clipped. “We know what we are walking into now.”
Alec nods his head once, more grim than usual. “And we are not walking in alone. Magn
