MasukI took a seat, perching a little nervously on my knees. With the door shut behind us, the living room felt more intimate than it ever had before; we usually only used it for more formal meetings or guests. But now, it felt like it was being used for what it was supposed to be used for, and it was we
Ellie’s POV“Yes,” Amy said. “A sleepover. One night this week. I think it could be really beneficial for you both.”I looked at Dominic. He was staring at Amy like she’d just suggested we run naked through the pack grounds. It certainly felt that way.“That’s… Unconventional,” I muttered.Amy smile
“Oh, here we go.” I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Dominic, Lucas had nothing to do with it except for the initial invitation. This is my passion, and it has nothing to do with either of you.”Dominic gnawed on the inside of his cheek and stared at me like he was searching my face for answers.Amy,
Ellie’s POVOur next therapy session was scheduled for Thursday afternoon. I showed up right on time on purpose, hoping to avoid any awkward small talk with Dominic beforehand. He was already sitting on the sofa when I walked in, chatting with Amy, who was in her usual chair with her notebook open i
He thought for a moment before he said, “I appreciate how smart you are. You’re studying to be a healer, and you’re good at it. I’ve seen the way you talk about your classes, the way you light up when you’re learning something new. It’s one of the things I’ve always admired about you.”I blinked. I
Ellie’s POVDinner was almost painfully quiet. We ate the roasted chicken and vegetables that the cooks had prepared, and Dominic made a few attempts at small talk, but mostly, it was only the sound of scraping cutlery and chewing and Vivian’s distant sobs that filled the air.After we finished eati
Ellie's POVEveryone around fell silent, not daring to speak. The usual chatter and laughter of the courtyard died away as all eyes turned to us. Students who had been walking by stopped in their tracks, sensing the tension in the air.Dominic's expression stayed neutral, but I noticed tension in hi
Dominic's POVI was stunned. My mouth fell open slightly as I stared at the torn pieces scattered across the hallway floor."You were going to invite me—what kind of act are you putting on now?" I demanded, my voice rising with each word.Ellie looked at me calmly. Her voice was steady when she spok
"Not anymore," I said simply.Mom's eyes went to the bandage under my shirt collar. "What happened to your shoulder?""Just a training accident. It's nothing serious."My stepfather emerged from his study. "What's the commotion?" he asked, noticing my bandage. "Are you hurt?""She says it's just a t
Ellie's POV"Why?" I couldn't keep the suspicion out of my voice."Because we're all strong fighters, and it makes tactical sense," he replied, but there was something else in his expression. Something I couldn't quite identify. His eyes kept flicking between Ryan and me, like he was trying to read







