Instead of confronting Rose directly, Jayden chose to observe her from a distance. It wasn’t invasive; he respected her privacy. Yet, he couldn’t simply ask, *“Are you a wolf?”*—such a question was absurd and would surely drive her away. So instead, he chose a cautious path: he cared for her, quietly, steadily, and with an attentiveness that didn’t demand explanation.

Whenever Rose seemed down, Jayden found ways to brighten her mood. A small joke here, an encouraging word ...