. Every step felt heavier than the last, each one marked by the echo of Kieran's rejection. But so

r-something she couldn't ignore. What choice did she have? Her place in the pack had already been decided for her: weak, invisible, unworthy. If

d himself. Lila seemed too weak, too fragile to stand beside him as the Luna of his pack. He had only made the decision because it was what he believed was best-for both of them. But as he packed

dy beyond its limits. Every drop of sweat, every aching muscle, was a reminder of the promise the stranger had made. The darkness he had offered her seemed li

ind, relentless and persuasive: "Str

alized she was ready to pay

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