Night settles heavy over the pack, thicker than it has any right to be.
I feel it before I even turn the light off. The air presses in, dense and watchful, like the world has leaned closer while I wasn’t paying attention. Layla stirs the second I sit on the edge of my bed, shoulders tight, attention snapping sharp and focused.
Then the bond hums.
Not faint this time. Not tentative. It rolls through me in a deep, resonant vibration that settles straight into my bones. Stronger. Clearer. Intentional. Layla is fully alert instantly, her presence surging forward like she’s been waiting for this exact moment.
It’s at the border.
I know that without question. The direction is unmistakable, a steady pull tugging outward through my chest and spine. But it’s closer than before. Not hovering at
