The night before Val's hearing, I couldn't sleep.

Not the bond-dreams this time. Just my mind running scenarios. Every possible council question. Every possible answer. Every possible way the hearing went wrong.

My wolf paced. The bond was warm and steady in my chest, which was more comforting than it should be and less calming than I needed.

I stared at the ceiling and counted the cracks.

One.

Two.

Three.

I lost count somewhere around twelve and started again.

Tomorrow, Val would stand ...