Kael
By the time I crossed the borders of my land, dawn was already threatening the sky. The forest was quiet behind me, but inside my chest there was no peace—only that unbearable pull, the gnawing ache that hadn’t lessened even as I left her behind.
Elara.
The name rang through me though I had not spoken it aloud.
I should have felt relief at returning to the familiar scent of my territory, the comforting strength of my wolves close by. But instead, I felt restless, almost feverish, like something was tearing at the seams of my soul.
I walked into the packhouse, heavy steps echoing against the wooden floor. Ronan was waiting, of course. He always was.
The moment he saw me, his brows furrowed. “You didn’t come back last night.”
His voice was calm, but his sharp gaze searched my fac
