Lola’s POV

The sunlight filtered through the tall windows of the pack hall, casting warm rays across the stone floor. The scent of honey bread and pine lingered in the air, mingling with quiet laughter and the occasional bark of a pup outside.

But inside… everything felt calm. Settled. Whole.

Kael sat beside me at the long table, his back straight but his fingers drumming nervously against his cup. I could feel the tension coiled in his shoulders even if his face didn’t show it.

“You’re safe,” I whispered, nudging his arm with mine. “This isn’t a trap.”

“I know,” he said, voice low. “But I’ve never belonged anywhere. This...