Athena.

The forest was quiet as Beauty and I made our way back to our territory, though the silence did little to soothe the tension coiling in my chest. My mind replayed the encounter with Alpha Gian over and over, analyzing every word, every glance, every subtle shift in his posture. He had acknowledged me—granted me respect—but I could feel the undercurrent of wariness in his gaze. Gian was a predator in more ways than one. One misstep, and everything could unravel.

Beauty glanced at ...