Gideons POV
The journey back to Crimson Ridge was quiet, but it was a comfortable, peaceful quiet.
Clara had chosen to stay in Whitepeak. Once the terror had washed out of her eyes, she had looked around her home, held her children close, and admitted she didn't want to drag them through another move if we were coming back so soon. I respected her strength. Before we left, I ensured her pantry was stocked with fresh provisions, assigned two of our most disciplined guards to stand watch outside her door, and left clear orders that her family was under the Alpha’s personal protection.
Sitting across from Sera in the carriage, watching her gaze out the window with a calm, serene smile, my heart swelled until it felt tight in my chest.
Resilience. That was the word. She had walked straigh
