Vanc

the massive office, my eyes darting from the towering bookshelves to the cold f

et. He took a deep, steadying breath, and when he spoke, his voice was the calm,

my knee. A small, dark stain of blood was beginning to seep thr

closer, his voice a harsh whisper. "Get on the fl

ank to the floor, tucking myself into the shadows beside the heavy

of his shirt, a pointless gesture to erase a sc

blue dress, offered a perfect smile that didn't quite reach her percepti

aid, stepping aside to let them in.

an almost imperceptible sweep, before it landed o

ed, rushing forward. "What is

y fake. The guilt of deceiving Moira, the woman who had taken me in when I ha

od. The air, scrubbed clean by the purifier, still held a faint trace o

ff of the air, and her eyes narrowed with suspicio

oke, his voice laced with authority and a carefull

"Elara's inner wolf has been... active. It's a sign of her coming of ag

on and necessary practice for an Al

erfect blend of a leader's concern and a guardian's apology. "The pre

derstanding and sympathy. "Oh, you poor

e a curtain to hide my face. I gave a small, shaky nod, a co

but I could see the doubt lingering in her eyes. She sensed that Ryker's "conce

first shift. Training is indeed crucial. However, such guidance is usually handled by t

my Beta," he said, his voice resonating with loyalty. "My b

llen comrade, elevating his image from a mere leader to a paragon of honor. Moira

lic formality. "That wound needs to be seen to. Moira, would you pleas

ing me off to Moira, performin

her, limping theatrically, my gaze fixed

charged moment. Hers were filled with cold assessment. Mine, I

ned back against it, his facade finally cracking. Seraphina w

she murmured, her voice sweet,