The pack felt different the next day.
Lyra noticed it immediately.
Not because anything had changed physically…
But because everything felt off.
Quieter.
Colder.
More distant.
Daniel didn’t come to training.
At first, Lyra told herself it didn’t mean anything.
Maybe he was busy.
Maybe he just needed space.
But as time passed…
That excuse stopped working.
“Where’s Daniel?” she finally asked one of the warriors.
The man hesitated.
“Alpha sent him on patrol early this morning.”
Lyra’s chest tightened.
“Patrol? Alone?”
The warrior nodded.
“Yes.”
Lyra didn’t need to ask who gave that order.
She already knew.
Her steps were faster this time.
Not hesitant.
Not uncertain.
Direct.
Kael was exactly where she expected him to be.
Standing near the edge of the training ground
