**Ravyn**
The hours after Laurent’s departure crawled by with agonizing slowness. Ravyn found herself pacing the length of the abandoned mill, her newly awakened wolf senses picking up every sound, every scent, every shift in the wind that might signal his return.
“He’ll come back,” Grayson said quietly, appearing at her side as she made another circuit past the windows. “Laurent has too much to lose not to deliver your message.”
“And if Lord Valerius refuses my terms?” Ravyn asked, though she already knew the answer.
“Then we find another way.” Grayson’s voice was steady, reassuring. “But he won’t refuse. He wants you too badly to pass up what he thinks is an easy opportunity.”
The other werewolves had settled into a tense waiting pattern, some dozing in chairs, others cleaning weapo
