THORNE POINT OF VIEW

Sleep refused to come to me that night.

After Aria went to rest, the silence in my chamber felt too heavy, pressing in on my chest. I pulled on my robe and stepped outside, letting the cool night air brush against my skin.

The courtyard was quiet, lit by soft torches and the pale glow of the moon. I walked slowly, hands clasped behind my back, trying to calm the restless growl of my wolf.

I had stopped near the old stone fountain when a gentle voice broke the ...