*Starblood pack—The Alpha's Chamber*

 The morning sun spilled gently across the furs, filling the room with warmth.

 Crystal stirred beneath the sheets, her body aching not from pain but from the beautiful, sacred intensity of the night before.

 She reached out, her fingertips brushed warm skin.

 Ryder.

 He lay beside her, shirtless and still, his arm around her waist. His eyes, though closed, fluttered faintly, as if he were already half awake.

 “You’re awake,” he murmured, voice ...