~Third Person’s Pov~

It did not happen all at once.

That was the thing about wolves — they did not give trust in ceremonies or declarations. They gave it in increments, in small gestures that meant more for their restraint than any grand display could have managed. Lucian knew this. He had led this pack for eleven years and he understood, better than most, that a Stonefang wolf's respect was not announced. It was demonstrated. Quietly, specifically, and always on the wolf's own terms.

...