The compound buzzed with quiet rumors after the council meeting, whispers that slid like smoke through every corridor. Nova had felt them brush against her all day—accusations, speculation, distrust—but she wasn’t the only one those whispers touched.Naira heard them too.That evening, Kilian returned late from patrol. His boots were still muddy when he pushed open the heavy door of his lodge, shoulders tight, the weight of Alpha pressing hard on his frame. He found Naira waiting inside, a fire already lit, the flames painting her skin in shades of gold and copper.She rose gracefully, every movement deliberate, but edged with steel.“The Council worries. I worry,” she said softly, stepping closer as he shed his cloak.“You push yourself too hard,” she added, fingers brushing his arm lightly, lingering longer than necessary.Kilian set aside his cloak, expression unreadable.“There is much to do.”“There always is,” she murmured, stepping closer still, the scent of jasmine and somethi
Last Updated : 2025-10-30 Read more