She loved him. Utterly and completely. And yet...part of her still recoiled from that all-consuming bond, that obliteration of self for the sake of destiny's design.

It made her restless, pensive in a way that did not go unnoticed.

"You're brooding again."

Seraphina started from her reverie at Thalia's chiding voice. Her friend quirked a brow knowingly as she settled beside her on the grassy knoll overlooking the training grounds.

"I'm not brooding," Seraphina protested halfheartedly. "Just...thinking."

Thalia snorted indelicately. "About a certain silver-furred Alpha, no doubt. I saw the way you two were gazing at each other during the war council yesterday." A sly grin spread across her features....