Ruby's POV

Austin gave his team a few last instructions before dismissing them, his tone calm but firm, the Alpha in him impossible to hide. Back at the apartment, everything felt unusually quiet. Once the door closed, he finally relaxed, sinking onto the couch beside me.

We talked briefly about the match, the team’s excitement, and how things might finally be turning in our favor. But soon, fatigue began to settle in. My body still ached from the energy drain of the ritual, and Austin ...