The next day, at Eldwood High, Lilith struggled to maintain the facade of indifference, their secret relationship a fragile shield against the dangers lurking in the shadow, and the prophecy that marked her as a target. Jackson played his role impeccably, his future-alpha demeanor polished and distant, but the shift in his gaze—no longer cold, but deliberately averted—stung her heart like a fresh cut. She craved his warmth, his touch, as desperately as a human craved oxygen, the bond weaving their souls so tightly that his absence left her breathless.
In math class, the torture intensified. A pack girl—Clara, a pretty brunette and decent warrior—leaned close to Jackson, her laughter too loud, her hand grazing his arm as she feigned confusion over the assignment. Lilith’s fingers tightened
