Lily's point of view

My small apartment's large windows let in the early morning sun, which filled the space with a cozy glow. A weight sat heavily in my chest despite the light. I had established a life for Aiden and myself after two years away from the pack's territory, but now that I was back in the city, everything felt unstable, like walking a tightrope over old wounds.

"Aiden, move quickly! I packed his lunchbox with a little more enthusiasm than was required and called over my shoulder, "You're going to be late for daycare." I had woken up with a tense feeling, a mixture of nerves and excitement...