llThe moon was hidden behind the thick clouds, and the night air was cold enough to sting. Inside Cassien’s villa, the quiet hum of the heater filled the silence between them. Ivy lay curled on the soft couch, her head heavy and her breathing shallow. Cassien sat beside her, a bowl of water in one hand and a towel in the other.

“You should have healed by now,” he muttered, voice low but thick with concern. His hand brushed the towel gently over her face. “Your wolf is weak.”

Ivy ...