(Isla)
The cold air rushed through my fur. The scent of Caius moved beside me, steady and familiar, while Zeron and the warriors fell into position without needing instruction.
I focused on the path ahead and let the run take over.
I ran harder than I needed to.
Not because I was trying to outrun anything. Because movement felt good. Because something inside me felt lighter than it had when we'd arrived at the neutral ground this morning.
Vaela matched my pace easily.
'You're happy.'
The observation carried quiet amusement.
'Maybe.'
'You are.'
I couldn't argue with that.
The meeting hadn't solved everything. The High Council was still coming. Sorin was still going to push. Halvon was still going to look for weaknesses and uncertainties he could use.
But one thing was different
