~ THE SHADOW PACK ~

~ XANDER MORTAIN ~

I remained close to Anika, my hand resting lightly on the small of her back. She was holding herself together with sheer will, but I could see the exhaustion and unease in her eyes.

“Come on,” I murmured, guiding her gently toward the doors. “You need a moment away from all this.”

She didn’t hesitate. We walked through the corridors in silence, my presence shielding her from curious glances. When we reached her chambers, I closed the door behind us, sealing the world outside.

I turned to her, cupping her face with both hands, my thumbs brushing her cheeks. “How are...