The room smelled of dried blood and damp wood, a reminder of her wounds and the endless torment that came with them. Lia lay curled on the hard mattress, her body aching from head to toe. Her thoughts were dark—an endless cycle of regret, pain, and fear. The shadows on the walls seemed to mock her, whispering that she had made the wrong choice by returning to Alpha Kieran’s pack.

Just when she thought she would lose herself to despair, a soft knock echoed at the door.

Her chest tightened. ...