Lucas POV

The scent of old books and worn leather filled the library. I sat hunched at the far table, the only light coming from the flickering lamp above me. A dozen books lay open, spread like fallen soldiers, rules, customs, codes of conduct for the upcoming Pack Games.

I wasn’t studying. I was hiding.

From the memory of Malia’s face. From the silence that had followed her heels echoing down that hallway. From the ache that settled low in my chest every time I replayed it.

That was ...