VALTOR

I barely heard Loran. My gaze kept drifting back to Winter and the pup at her side. She moved easily, laughter soft on her lips as the child tugged her from one place to another, utterly unbothered by the mud clinging to her skirts or the curious eyes following her.

Against my expectations, she looked comfortable. Belonging. And I found myself stepping closer without realizing it.

Winter blending so effortlessly with my people—especially those far from rank and power—had never ...