Common Room
The kitchen at Hale’s Crest was never truly quiet.
It hummed with life in a way Holly hadn’t expected—soft footsteps crossing stone floors, low voices overlapping in easy conversation, the steady clatter of dishes and the comforting scent of food carried on warm air. The hearth burned steadily against the far wall, flames casting gentle light across long wooden tables scarred by years of shared meals and pack gatherings.
Holly lingered near the doorway, momentarily unsure of where to stand.
Lila and Mira hovered close, mirroring her hesitation, though Mira tried to disguise hers by pretending to inspect a basket of bread rolls set out on the counter.
Serena noticed immediately.
“Alright,” the Gamma said briskly, clapping her hands once. “No wall-hugging. That’s how you ge
