YELENA

I woke up feeling… strong.

It was strange.

It was not the kind of strength that came from power or being an Alpha. No. This one sat deep in my chest, quiet but steady, like something inside me had decided to stand up again after being pushed down for too long.

Maybe it was the sleep.

Or maybe it was yesterday.

Nyra’s loud voice, the way she wouldn’t stop talking even when I told her to shut up. The way everyone stayed, filled the room, pushed away the silence that had been ...