CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVEZOEYThe morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the common hall, washing the polished wood floor in a warm glow. I sat near the open doors, a light shawl around my shoulders, trying to enjoy the quiet after breakfast. Graham had finally relented and gone to the council room, leaving me to breathe in peace.The air smelled of damp grass and honey from the bakery across the courtyard. Children’s laughter drifted from the gardens, a cheerful sound that usually made me smile. Today, I let the warmth of it soak into me. After days of Graham’s constant hovering, checking every meal, every step, every breath, it felt good to simply sit and watch life move around me.Hannah joined me first, carrying a basket of clean linens. “You look like a queen holding court,” she teased, placing the basket on the bench.“More like a prisoner who escaped her guard,” I replied with a small grin.She chuckled, settling beside me. “He loves you. That kind of
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY THREEGRAHAMThe morning air smelled of damp earth and pine when I stepped outside. Dew clung to the grass, glittering under the weak sunlight. For a heartbeat, the pack grounds looked peaceful, warriors finishing their early patrols, maids carrying baskets of bread from the kitchen, children chasing each other across the courtyard.But I knew better. Quiet mornings could hide trouble.Ronald was waiting near the training field, arms crossed, eyes scanning the perimeter. He spotted me and came forward immediately.“Alpha,” he greeted with a short nod. “The patrols reported no breaches overnight, but there were faint tracks near the southern ridge. Could be hunters. Could be nothing.”“Nothing is still something,” I said. “Keep eyes on that ridge. Double the watch for the next few nights.”He nodded without hesitation. “Already done.”We started walking the field together. Warriors sparred in the distance, their shouts cutting through the crisp air. Norma
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY THREEZoeyThe soft glow of morning spilled across the room, warm and golden. I blinked awake slowly, stretching against the sheets before realizing Graham wasn’t beside me. For a heartbeat my chest tightened, but then the faint smell of chamomile drifted across the room and I noticed the small tray on the table near the window.Steam rose from a cup of tea, delicate and fragrant, next to a plate of sliced fruit and warm bread. Graham. My heart softened. He must have slipped out quietly, leaving this behind so I’d have something to wake up to.I pushed myself up, wrapping a blanket around my shoulders as I crossed the room. A small folded note rested beside the cup.Stay in bed if you’re tired. I’ll be back soon. Drink the tea first. A smile tugged at my lips. Overprotective, sweet, infuriating Graham. I sat by the table and sipped the tea. The gentle warmth spread through me, easing the faint morning queasiness that had started to become familiar.The
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY TWOZOEYThe room was quiet except for the soft crackle of the fire. I was curled on the bed, blanket tucked around me, one hand resting on my stomach out of habit. The nights had grown colder, and though the warmth of the flames was enough, I still found myself missing Graham’s steady body beside me.The door opened at last, hinges groaning in protest. Graham stepped inside, tall and steady as always, but there was something in his eyes, a shadow he couldn’t quite hide.“You’re late,” I said softly.“I know.” His voice was low, heavy. He closed the door behind him, hung his cloak on the peg, and for a moment just stood there. His shoulders were tight, his jaw set like stone.My stomach tightened. “Council?”He nodded once.I waited for more, but he didn’t move, didn’t speak. Just stood there as though trying to carry the weight of the entire world on his back.“Graham,” I said gently, pushing the blanket aside. “Come here.”He crossed the room slowly, a
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY ONEGRAHAMThe council chamber was colder than usual, though the fire blazed bright in the hearth. I could feel the weight of every pair of eyes on me as I walked in. The long wooden table stretched between us, carved with generations of names, but tonight it felt more like a battlefield.Miriam sat straight-backed, her thin lips pressed together, arms folded as though she had already won a silent argument. To her left, Elder Caine drummed his fingers on the table, thoughtful but watchful. The others sat in a half-circle of stern faces.I didn’t bother sitting.“Let’s not waste time,” I said, my voice carrying through the chamber. “I know what’s being whispered. I know why you’ve called me here.”Miriam’s chin lifted. “Then you know this is no whisper. It is truth. The Luna carries a child, and the timing is reckless.”I held her gaze, calm but firm. “The timing is what the Goddess has given us. That makes it sacred, not reckless.”Her nostrils flared. “
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTYZOEYBy the time Graham left to meet with the council, my chest still felt tight. His words in the courtyard had been like fire, sharp, blazing, impossible to ignore. He had defended me without hesitation, and made it clear to everyone that I wasn’t alone.And yet, when the door closed behind him, the silence in our room was heavy.I couldn’t stop hearing Miriam’s voice in my head. Reckless.I pressed a hand to my stomach, a habit that was starting to form without me realizing it. I wanted to believe Graham’s strength could shield me from everything, but doubts crept in through the cracks.Before those thoughts swallowed me whole, I pushed myself up from the bed. My feet carried me almost on their own, down the hall, across the courtyard, until I reached Hannah’s quarters.The door was open.Inside, Hannah was bent over her herb table, grinding leaves into powder. Lily sat cross-legged on the rug, braiding thin threads of colored yarn together, humming t