Sometime later, Evan returned to the cabin, his footsteps uneven against the wooden floorboards. His expression was tight, the usual calm replaced by something raw — anxious, disturbed, and shadowed by a feeling Darius couldn’t quite name.
Darius looked up from where he stood by the window, arms crossed, his eyes narrowing. “What happened to you?”
Evan hesitated at the door, his hand lingering on the knob as if he might turn and walk right back out.
“Nothing,” he said after a beat too long. “I spoke to Alpha Michael. He said… anytime Elaine is ready, you can go back to his office to do the official rejection.” His tone was clipped, his words mechanical. But his eyes — they darted, unfocused, haunted.
Darius frowned. “Are you sure you’re alright, Evan?”
“Yes. Yes, boss. I’m okay.” Evan
