Ivy’s POV
The banquet felt like something out of a dream.Warm light filled the grand hall, dancing off the chandeliers. Golden plates gleamed on the long tables, filled with food that smelled like comfort and celebration—roasted lamb, buttered vegetables, thick stews, soft loaves of bread stacked high. A fire crackled in the giant stone hearth, and the sound of soft music from a string quartet floated in the background.
But none of it compared to the way Leon looked at me.
He didn’t let go of my hand unless he had to. Even when we were seated at the head table surrounded by pack leaders, his generals, and council members—his knee stayed pressed against mine under the table, like he needed the contact to believe this was real.
I didn’t mind.
I needed it too.
The great hall was glowing
