POV: Alex
The fire burned low in the heart of the pack lands, its embers glowing like dying stars against the dark. The celebration had softened into quiet conversations and tired laughter, but I wasn’t ready to rest.
My thoughts were too loud.
Too heavy.
I slipped away from the bonfire and followed the familiar path toward the cliff overlook. The night air was cool against my skin, carrying the scent of pine and ash. Below, the valley stretched endlessly, peaceful in a way that felt almost wrong with war looming on the horizon.
I wasn’t surprised when Mason followed.
“You always disappear when your mind gets too loud,” he said quietly.
I didn’t turn. “And you always find me.”
He stepped beside me, his shoulder brushing mine. For a long moment, neither of us spoke. The bond between
