The first light of dawn crept over the pack grounds, casting long shadows across the training fields and quiet halls. Birds chirped faintly, their songs drowned out by the weight of tension that hung in the air. Evelyn stirred under her thin blanket, muscles still sore from the previous day’s exertions. Though she was unaware of the elders’ plotting, the subtle unease in the pack had already begun to settle in around her. Whispers, sidelong glances, and faint murmurs brushed her senses, leaving her on edge.
Lucien’s presence pulsed through the bond, steady and reassuring. They are watching. Be careful. Do not falter, he warned, his tone both protective and commanding. Evelyn shivered at the intimacy of the connection. She could feel his concern, his anger simmering beneath a calm exterior
