**Aria's POV**

We ended up in my private study, a room that felt less formal than the greeting hall but still carried the weight of pack leadership responsibilities. Maps, reports, and correspondence covered my desk in organized chaos.

"This is where I spend most of my time," I said, gesturing around the space. "Managing territorial agreements, reviewing pack business, corresponding with regional authorities."

"And with me," Caspian added.

"And with you."

He settled into one of the chairs, ...