(Haelyn’s POV)
The streets were livelier than usual today, the hum of chatter and laughter mingling with the clinking of coins and the calls of merchants. The energy of Alpha Zane’s kingdom had always felt foreign to me—so much more open and vibrant than the suffocating atmosphere of Alpha Kane’s domain. Yet no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t fully shake the unease that clung to me like a second skin.
After I escorted Leona back to the pack house, I told myself I needed fresh air, a change of scenery. Maybe even a distraction. My feet carried me to the bustling market square, and before I knew it, I was peering into shop windows, pretending that I cared about the dresses, trinkets, and pastries on display.
In truth, I wasn’t here for the shopping. I enjoyed the hustling and bustling
