MADELINE’S POV

Relief settled in my chest. I wasn’t the only one Alpha Konan had summoned. Rosaline, Dan, a few high-ranking warriors, and the pack elders were all here. That meant this meeting wasn't personal, but important. I exhaled quietly. At least it wouldn’t just be me and him.

Still, I couldn’t stop my eyes from drifting toward him. He looked… different. His sharp, commanding face was rougher, etched with deep worry lines, and he lacked the composure he always carried. Then my gaze moved lower.

His left hand was wrapped in bandages, messily done, with only his fingers peeking out. The rumor floated through my mind—the one about him...