Petal's Pov

The silence after Rosie’s collapse hung in the air like a blade suspended by a single thread. Even after her sobs quieted, the room remained thick with tension, a choking stillness that made Petal’s heartbeat echo in her ears.

Aslaan didn’t move at first. He stood pressed against the door, hands clenched at his sides, jaw tight enough that a muscle trembled along its edge. His wolf hovered just beneath the surface.

Petal could sense it, feel the faint ripple of aggression ...