Chapter 123

Kaia shifted slightly on the sofa, crossing her legs and letting her hands rest lightly in her lap. The quiet in the room was comfortable, yet it pressed against her chest in a way that reminded her how unusual it was to have a moment like this—just her and Lucian, with no packs, no politics, and no outside agendas.

“So… you’ve really left your pack,” I said finally, keeping my tone casual though curiosity buzzed under my words. “Just like that?”

Lucian shrugged, ...