The Silver Crest pack grounds felt oddly empty that evening. The wind pushed through tall pine trees, carrying the smell of rain and distant wolves. Warriors roamed the outer borders. Servants rushed through the main halls, hurrying to finish before the darkness took hold.
Inside the training grounds, you could practically taste the tension.
Liana felt it, heavy in her chest, ever since her awkward run-in with Alpha Kael that morning. Just a glance. That’s all. One second of eye contact—then he looked away, like she was invisible. Her wolf hated it.
He’s avoiding us.
Liana wrapped her hands, maybe a little too tight.
“I noticed,” she mumbled.
“What was that?”
She jerked her head up. Jared stood by the weapon racks, holding two practice staffs.
“Nothing,” she said.
He gave her a lo
