ALEXIS
The aftermath resonated differently when I had stared down death and lived to tell about it. Three days after the battle, I was still finding traces of frost in unexpected places—crystalline patterns spiraling across window panes, delicate rime coating fallen leaves. My magic lingered, refusing to fully settle, as if it knew this wasn't over.
I paused in the nursery doorway, one hand absently tracing the curve of my stomach while I watched Kai direct the cleanup efforts through our bond. Even then, I could feel his exhaustion, his determination, the way he pushed through despite everything. The pack needed him. They needed us both.
The room was coming together piece by piece—soft yellow walls, a hand-carved crib that smelled like cedar and hope, tiny clothes folded with tremblin
