“When I put it like that?!” Lori barked. “Iva, your life sounds like one of those forbidden fantasy dramas old shewolves secretly read under blankets.”
Despite herself, Iva burst into another fit of laughter.
And Goddess…
It felt good.
After weeks of heartbreak, fear, confusion and emotional exhaustion, sitting here with Lori felt grounding.
Safe.
Normal.
Even if nothing about her life was normal anymore.
Lori eventually calmed enough to inspect the mark again, though her expression softened noticeably this time.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispered honestly.
Iva’s fingers instinctively brushed against the marking.
The skin there still tingled faintly.
Like Caleb’s presence lingered permanently against her body.
“He…” she started softly before stopping herself.
Lori noticed immedi
