With a deep breath, Amara stood up and made her way downstairs. She found Maya in the kitchen with a few others, chopping vegetables for the pack members breakfast, with a focused expression. The smell of stew simmering on the stove filled the air, and for a moment, Amara allowed herself to be comforted by the homey, familiar scent.
“Maya?” she said softly, stepping into the room.
Maya looked up, her face breaking into a warm smile. “Amara! Hey, you’re up early. Didn’t expect to see you out and about after last night.” She set down the knife, her smile fading slightly as she studied Amara’s face. “You okay? You look like you’ve got something on your mind.”
Amara nodded, but her throat tightened with nerves. She wasn’t sure how to start, how to explain what she was feeling. “I… I need to
