CIARA'S POV

The pack healer was kind about it, which made it harder to say no. Or at least, not now.

"I think we should start practicing together," she said, her eyes warm with an understanding that somehow made everything worse. "Nothing too deep. Just simple control exercises. You need to stretch it, Ciara. The source will grow faster the more you engage with it."

I nodded slowly, heart thudding behind my ribs like a trapped bird. "I hear you... I just... need a little time."

She studied my ...