Night did not fall over Darkhowl all at once. It crept in slowly, like a creature stretching its limbs before sleep.
By the time the moon climbed high enough to cast silver light over the estate, Giselle’s feet ached, her back protested every careful bend and pause, and her patience wore thin. She had been trailing Mira for hours.
From the kitchens to the courtyards. From the south wing to the council hall. From sunlit corridors filled with chatter to quiet corners that smelled of old stone and waxed wood.
Always close enough to watch. Never close enough to be seen.
And what had it earned her?
Nothing.
Just Mira laughing softly with pack members. Mira checking in with the gammas, thanking them by name. Mira moving with ease, someone who had nothing to hide.
Now Giselle crouched behi
