Elle POV
Night doesn’t fall here so much as it settles.
The fortress exhales into it—wards humming low and even, torches dimmed to a steady glow that paints the stone in warm amber. Somewhere far above, the mountain wind sings through narrow passes, a distant sound that reminds me the world is still moving beyond these walls.
I lean against the railing overlooking the outer approach now allowed upstairs, arms folded loosely, breathing in the cool air. I should be resting. My body reminds me of that with every small shift—bruises blooming beneath leather, muscles heavy from training and battle.
But my mind won’t slow.
Because Blake won’t.
I feel him through the bond—present, contained, a steady heat threaded with tension. Not flaring. Not spiraling. Just… held. Too tightly.
My wolf p
