Hidden Behind the Curtain

The sun had already begun its slow descent, dipping into the horizon and painting the ocean in golds and purples.

The salty breeze carried with it the faint music from the resort’s beachside bar, a soft hum of laughter, clinking glasses, and the gentle crash of waves.

After the chaos of the day, the defeat of the Crescent rogues, the confrontation with Clara, the world finally seemed still. Almost too still.

The group had gathered in one of the lounge areas of the resort, a half-circle of cushioned seats facing the sea.

For once, no one was standing guard. No one was running. It was a chance to breathe.

Lucas leaned back, a tall glass of champagne in his hand, though his gaze was far away, his jaw tight.

Beside him, Liam stretched out his legs, ever the picture of confidence but his eyes betrayed the storm underneath.

Lily sat between the Alpha twins, her presence grounding them both, her hand brushing Lucas’s shoulder every so often as if to remind him he was still here, still w