Raymond held Emilia against his chest, his arms secure around her as the night enveloped them. His voice, deep and steady, carried the weight of his memories as he continued recounting the story.

“I buried my father that same night,” he said, his tone low. “There was no time to grieve properly. The Council was already talking about the transfer of power, the transition of leadership. By morning, I was officially the new Alpha. So much had happened in just 24 hours.”

Emilia listened in silence, her ear pressed against his chest, the rhythmic thrum of his heartbeat grounding her. The depth of his loss sank into her as he...