The celebration did not end quickly. Wolves who had spent their lives preparing for war had no idea how to handle peace. They stumbled through it like newborn pups, unsure which instincts belonged to them and which belonged to a world that no longer existed.
I understood them far too well.
Ronan stayed close to me as the hours passed, not crowding, not claiming, simply existing beside me as if that were enough to keep the world steady. Kade circulated like a hawk pretending to be a shepherd. He snapped at anyone who drank too fast, tackled one warrior who tried to climb a roof for no reason, and insulted three others into laughter.
At some point, someone dragged me toward the fire and shoved a mug into my hand. The scent hit me first. Warm apples, cinnamon, and something herbal. It tast
