The grand halls of the Avila mansion felt colder than Claire remembered.
She moved through them like a ghost — quiet, careful, trying not to draw too much attention. Five years away had changed everything. The luxury, the power, the constant eyes of the pack now felt suffocating rather than welcoming. She missed the simple rhythm of her life in Lagos: the bustling markets, the laughter of neighbors, the freedom of raising Alex Jr. on her own terms without the weight of being Luna hanging over her.
Most of all, she missed the version of herself who had been strong enough to start over.
Xander’s coldness hurt her more than she wanted to admit.
He was possessive with their son — demanding time with Alex Jr. every morning and evening, playing with him in the gardens, reading him stories, a
