Jaxon POV After the maid left my chambers, I sat still, barely blinking. My thoughts were in chaos, as if someone had stirred a hornet’s nest in my mind. The silence was unbearable. But before I could retreat deeper into the pit of my thoughts, a familiar voice called behind me. “Jaxon?” It was Kara. I didn’t turn immediately, hoping she’d take the hint and leave. But Kara was persistent, always had been. Kara and I grew up together, we were like brothers and sisters but she wasn’t my blood she was adopted by my father when her parents was accused of treason in Rivershade pack. “What’s going on with you lately?” she asked, stepping closer. “You’ve been off since the festival.” She reached out, fingers brushing my arm in a gesture that used to comfort me once. I pulled back. “Not now