MAYA
It was nearly dusk when I arrived at the Packhouse; the first time I’d set foot inside since returning to Ashbourne. The sky had deepened to a bruised purple. I hesitated at the massive front door. My fingers hovered over the knocker, taking a deep breath to steady myself.
I didn’t know what to expect from my mother. Did she hate me less now? Had the day softened her grief enough to allow even a sliver of conversation? Or would the same venom from yesterday still burn in her eyes?
I glanced over my shoulder at the two pack warriors Beta Alaric had insisted accompany me. Their presence felt comforting in a practical way, but I also knew I had to face whatever waited inside on my own.
“Wait here,” I managed to say, “I won’t be long.”
They nodded without question and stepped to one
