Weeks passed slowly after the ritual.

Liora regained her strength, though she moved carefully, her hand often resting on her growing belly. The healers checked on her daily, but it was her wolf that healed her most steadily, calmly, and protectively.

Draven spent his mornings in the council chamber, setting new laws, hearing the voices of his people. He no longer ruled with distance or anger. Rage stood beside him always, advising, guiding, reminding him that an Alpha led not only with ...