*Greenwood — Council Hall, Morning*

The pack was quiet. The usual patrol reports, the sound of hunters moving beyond the borders, including the chatter of pups felt muted.

Crystal walked at Ryder’s side, her hand brushing against his as they entered the council hall. 

That fleeting touch grounded her more than she wanted to admit. His hand was warm, while inside she still carried the doubt of someone who had spent years being overlooked. 

She wondered if he could sense the way her pulse ...