The night air buzzed with celebration. Lanterns hung from the trees, casting a soft amber glow over the pack grounds. Laughter echoed around me as members of the Gray Pack danced barefoot in the grass, their joy contagious. Smoke curled from the grills, mixing with the scent of roasted meat and sweet herbs. The sound of drums beat in time with the thrum in my chest.

And yet, all I could focus on was him. Reule stood near the bonfire, dressed in black, but not his usual; he looked ...