ill

ven though his shoulders carry an almost tangible burden. By keeping my head low, the hood shadows my face and allows the pack members to

let moonlight stream through while its beams draw thin light lines over the dirt floor. Lucien opens the door without saying a word and gives me a s

he texture of the table's coarse wood presses its grain against my skin as I run my fingers across its surface. Lucien stands motionless in the doorway, s

ground while each step creates a resonant echo from the past. As I follow the blanket's contou,rs I feel myself envisioning how

ers while a cold breeze passes through gaps in the walls. I shut my eyes to calm my racing thoughts, but visions of Lucien's gen

old floor as I slowly sit up. I fold my cloak methodically on the table as its weight feels noticeably heavier than

m sweet meal, it grounds me in the basic experience of eating. The haunted look in Lucien's eyes strikes me

my ear and concentrate on my meal, pretending it holds all my attention. Lucien straightens his back and offers a gentle bow before departin

ugh the pac,k guiding how they can sharpen their claws and enhance their stance. The memory of his teaching brings my heart a painful twist beca

while replicating his demonstration of a sweeping strike. The morning sun casts its glow between us, and I suppress a sigh

th a cracking sound. Lucien appears instantly beside me to stabilise me with a strong hold on my elbow. The heat from his body pas

rom my elbow where his touch sent my skin into prickles. I hold the staff firmly while imagining it shields me from my i

d of Lucien's voice flows across the clearing while he discusses the upcoming council gathering with an elder. The words "

ancient oak tree where we first carved our names into the bark. I grip the tree trunk tightly while my fingertips follow an

a strong desire to touch him as his broad and solid back faces away from me. I swallow the ache so I can focus

anket close to myself and allow the silence to settle into my ears. As the candle's flame dances low, it mirrors the res

the door while my breathing remains shallow. The elder and Lucien exchange words so quietly they escape my understanding, yet the

to spin around with eyes wide open and a hidden emotion I can't identify. The elder stands motionless beside me as waves of guilt

urses through my veins, urging me to fight or flee. Unable to confront my eyes, he turns his own away. My c

ho you think." My mouth hangs open wide, and my heart skips a beat when his words strike me hard. Lucien squints his

truth bubbles under my skin. The elder attempts to speak, but a sharp cry erupts from the packho

hing pause as I feel both safety and heartbreak intermingle in his presence. The cry returns louder and more desperate than before.

legs while adrenaline races through every muscle in my body. Lucien's grip strengthens around my hand creating a connection that