Betty's POV. 

Morning came too quickly.

The sun was barely awake, but the entire pack felt tense, like the earth itself was holding its breath. 

The air smelled of pine and cold metal.

Damien and I walked through the pack grounds toward the council hall, our steps synchronised, though neither of us tried. 

His hand brushed mine, and it was enough to send a small spark through my veins. 

His voice broke the silence first.

“Betty.”

I hummed in response, not trusting my voice.

“If ...