Aurora's POV
The tension from Mason's office seemed to follow us like a persistent shadow as Ethan and I crossed the Pack A grounds. The familiar scents of pine and wolf musk that once brought comfort now felt stifling, a reminder of all I'd left behind.
"Are you okay?" Ethan's voice was soft, his concern palpable.
I nodded, not trusting my voice just yet. The confrontation with Mason and Margot had left me feeling raw, exposed in a way I hadn't been in years. Part of me wanted to curl up and lick my wounds in private, but another part—the part that had grown stronger in the Nightshade Pack—knew we weren't done here yet.
As if summoned by my thoughts, I heard quick footsteps behind us. Ethan tensed beside me, his hand tightening around mine as we turned to face the approaching figure.
