**Amelia’s POV**
The night of the challenge passed like a fever dream I couldn’t wake from.
I didn’t go to the circle. Chase wouldn’t allow it, and for once I didn’t fight him. He kissed me at the door before dawn—slow, fierce, tasting of salt and promise—and walked into the dark with his betas at his flanks. I stood on the porch until his silhouette vanished between the trees, then went back inside to the only place that made sense: the nursery.
Mrs. Juliet was already there, sitting in the rocking chair with Jasmine asleep in her lap. Jaden and Jamin were curled together on the rug, blankets dragged over them like a fort. I sank to the floor beside them, back against Jaden’s bed, and pulled my knees to my chest.
We didn’t speak much. There was nothing left to say.
I counted heartbea
