Alpha Zion's towering presence filled the room as he stood in the doorway, his piercing gaze sweeping over us. He looked at Beta Cillian, his voice a deep rumble. "Cillian, may I have a word with her?" He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Alone."

Beta Cillian didn’t even acknowledge Zion with a nod. Instead, he turned to me, concern etched on his rugged face. “Will you be okay?” he asked softly, his eyes searching mine.

I managed a small, brave smile, nodding. "Yes, ...