Aria had felt it the moment her feet crossed the boundary stones. And she felt it more now, from all sides, as she was escorted to the guest area.
The pack lands did not welcome her.
The wind shifted, sharp and cold against her skin, carrying the scent of alarm and suspicion rather than home. Conversations died mid-sentence as she passed. Whispers followed her like shadows.
Some stared openly at the faint silver-blue glow tracing beneath her skin, as though her blood itself had learned a new language. Others recoiled, stepping back as if proximity alone might curse them.
“Rogue-lover.”
The word hissed from somewhere behind her.
Another voice followed, louder. “She vanished for days and returns glowing like a weapon. You expect us to believe she didn’t side wi
