Rio’s POV

As the council meeting ended and everyone started to go their separate ways, I grabbed Daniella and led her to the dimly lit corridor, ensuring we moved to a quiet spot where nobody could overhear us. I could not risk our secret being found out. I wanted to protect Creek and the people here. The distant hum of the pack house faded as we found ourselves in the secluded nook, the flickering light barely touching her concerned features.

"Daniella, we have to keep this to ourselves," ...