ovements demonstrate silent elegance as he takes each deliberate and confident step. Beside him, I stand while my heart pounds hard

His strong back captures my attention while a nameless pull emerges in my chest. He gives me a wooden baton while n

r Lucien's previous movements by performing broad sweeping arcs. My every swing discreetly reveals a h

recall how his eyes used to melt for me. I grab the baton more firmly to push past the deep bone p

ext to me and comes close enough to graze my arm with his. Where our bodies come close to to

I move through each motion with purposeful steps. Lucien's jaw tightens when he obse

The wolves scatter, chattering among themselves. I stand in the middle while I

ather of the waterskin and bring it to my lips to drink. My breath catc

s gaze and observe his unbroken focus on the wolves. I take a deep breath as

oves through the heat haze and I recall his laughter at m,y awkward fighting attempts. The watersk

oy's joy makes me laugh quietly as I watch him. Lucien looks over at me and gives a slight

ng. His voice is low, wrapped in concern. I nod and

while we move together like synchronised reflections in an established routine. My breathing matche

Lucien observes my hands as I demonstrate precise control over every motion. His face bri

ts the floor, I grab him to stabilise his shoulders. Lucien retreats and obser

my back and says, "Well done" quietly. His words cause my heart to leap even amid t

t. I bow my head in respect as Lucien offers him a bow. The elder looks at the wol

n exhales, the tension leaving his shoulders. His lips sho

lump in my throat before telling him, "I'm fine." He gives me a nod

vered fabric around my shoulders. At my neck, he creates a knot while his fingers

sper thanks. My voice cracks at the simple word. Lucien ben

ts bring woodsmoke that combines with our footfalls. His presence

arks of seasonal changes. Lucien pauses and looks down at me. Overwhelmed, I wh

eal. I walk alongside Lucien into the cosy space where the aroma of stew fills my nostr

Lucien keeps his eyes on me from the corner of his vision while remaining quiet and motionless. His

d to grab his bowl, he brushes against mine. The touch triggers a physical reaction as memories

a squeeze in my chest when he shifts his attention away. I force my gut to

me. He offers to guide me home with his words, "Let me walk you back

oves quietly alongside me while maintaining a steady pace. His presence surrounds me with

pression unreadable. My stomach tightens with uncertainty as I move n

ise and dread. I shut my eyes in preparation for the searing sensation of his skin

ht, a solitary wolf appears with tense muscles and a fixed stare directed at me. The animal's hair stand

meone I know. The truth hits me hard enough to send a chill through my bloodstream. His hand slips from

he wolf locks eyes with me, and I experience a shocking revel