Kael’s POV.

Three years had passed since I last visited the sanctuary on a regular basis.

I woke in my cabin before dawn, same as always. Made coffee. Watched snow fall through the window.

The bond with Mira hummed faintly in the background. Always there, never demanding. She was well. I knew that without checking, but I checked anyway.

Still well.

My hands were calloused now from woodwork and construction. My shoulders are less tense than they'd been as Alpha. I liked this version of myself ...