I leave the park alone.
I do not look back. I tell myself it is because I do not want to see him walk away, but the truth is simpler than that. My body has already decided. My legs move before my mind catches up, carrying me forward on instinct alone. Gravel crunches beneath my shoes, too loud in the sudden quiet, and somewhere behind me Derek turns away. I feel it even without seeing it, like a pressure shift in the air. Like something essential has changed shape.
There is no dramatic collapse. No moment where my knees buckle or my breath catches. Shock wraps itself around me like armor, rigid and unyielding. It keeps my spine straight. Keeps my chin level. Keeps my feet moving when stopping feels like it might mean breaking in half.
My wolf is silent.
Not sleeping. Not retreating. Ju
