The pack territory seemed quieter than it should that night. Not because it was empty, but because something had been displaced. An ancient, invisible balance, now tensioned by forces that didn't care about comfort or consensus.

Ivy walked down the side corridor of the main house with firm steps, entire body on alert. The scarf on her neck no longer seemed like an accessory — it was a constant reminder. A calculated weight. A living secret.

She wasn't running. She was choosing ...