Lorenzo
Morning broke sharp and cold over Cold Ridge.
The sun had barely crested the mountains, its pale light slicing through the high windows of my chamber, when I opened my eyes. I hadn’t truly slept. My body had lain still, but my mind had roared all night, restless, pacing like the wolf inside me.
Today was the day.
The trial.
Our trial.
The thought settled in my chest like a brand, burning deep, steady and hot. My wolf stirred instantly, pushing at the edges of my control, snarling in hunger. He wanted the fight. He wanted her. He wanted the moment the world would finally see what we already knew—that she was ours, and we were hers.
But I forced him down with a low growl, raking my hands through my hair.
Not yet.
Patience.
I had to be deliberate. Controlled.
Because today
