After their heartfelt reunion in the queen’s chambers, Jackson and Lilith lingered with Rose and Mia, the conversation light and teasing, a welcome balm against the day’s shadows. Rose regaled them with stories of Jackson’s childhood pranks gone wrong, Mia chiming in with her own exaggerated tales of Lilith’s awkward teen moments. Laughter filled the room, the bond between the women weaving a sense of family that Lilith had long craved. But Rose, ever perceptive, caught the subtle glances between the couple—the way Jackson’s hand brushed Lilith’s, the unspoken hunger in their eyes. With a knowing smile, she waved them off. “Jackson, why don’t you show Lilith around the pack house? Perhaps she’ll find a room she’ll like to stay in tonight.” Her wink was conspiratorial, her silver hair catch
