Talia noticed Samir was worse before he even admitted anything, because way he kept jaw locked wasn't just emotional containment, was physical containment, as if holding something inside himself so wouldn't escape in front of others. Since she'd discovered his wolf was dying, each gesture of his gained new layer of meaning, and what before seemed pride now had outline of masked fragility.

He avoided support, refused help, maintained erect posture with too evident effort for someone in ...