Stella's gaze lingered on Alpha Raven, his imposing figure silhouetted against the dim light of the room. A knot of apprehension tightened in her stomach. She waited, her breath catching in her throat, for the words that would shape her future.

Theo leaned closer, his whisper barely audible above the hushed tension. "Hey! Are you okay?" His concern was a balm to her frayed nerves.

Stella offered him a weak smile, the tremor in her voice betraying her inner turmoil. "Yeah, I am fine!" The ...