Dravina’s POV
“You’ve been kind to me, Alpha Malrik,” I said quietly, my voice trembling part gratitude, part fear. “But I don’t want to drag trouble to your doorstep. Just give me my bag, and I’ll go. This isn’t your battle.”
Malrik’s jaw flexed, the calm green of his eyes igniting with purpose.
“It is my battle,” he said, voice firm. “I’m choosing to make it mine. Please… let me help you.”
I shook my head, my resolve holding steady despite the gentle urgency in his tone. “I can’t.”
A flicker of something disappointment, maybe passed through his features before he straightened, composure locking back into place.
“Very well,” he replied, calm but deliberate. “If you won’t tell me, then I’ll make my decision without all the pieces. But before that, I want you to come with me to the an
