Alessia:
For the first time in what felt like forever, the pack was quiet. Not tense or waiting, just calm. It almost didn’t feel real.
I stood by the balcony, looking out over the grounds, watching as wolves moved through their routines again. Slower now. Softer. Like they were learning how to breathe after holding it in for too long.
We had survived. The thought settled gently, not loudly or like a victory, but as a simple truth.
Footsteps sounded behind me, but I didn’t turn immediately. I didn’t need to.
“You always come here when you’re thinking.” His voice wrapped around me before his arms did, Alexander stepping behind me, his hands settling at my waist as he pulled me lightly against him.
“I needed to see it,” I said softly. “To believe it. After everything, I just feel like
