Author POVThe fire in Caleb’s private chamber burned low, casting long shadows against the stone walls. The hour was late, but sleep had not found him. It hadn’t in days.Crystal sat across from him, elegant as ever, her posture relaxed, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of a goblet she hadn’t touched. She had learned long ago how to look patient, how to wait until the moment felt right.Tonight, she misjudged it.“You’re quieter than usual,” Crystal said softly, breaking the silence. “Still thinking about Red Claw?”Caleb didn’t answer immediately. His gaze remained fixed on the flames, his jaw tight.“They’re celebrating her,” Crystal continued, her tone carefully neutral. “Elsa. The packs are talking. They’re praising her reforms, her presence, her influence.”A flicker crossed Caleb’s eyes.“Funny,” Crystal added, leaning back slightly, “how quickly people forget where someone comes from.”That earned her a glance.Crystal smiled faintly, encouraged. She had pushed before and b
Last Updated : 2026-02-11 Read more