The crimson glow of the sunset gradually dissolved into a deep, velvety indigo. Inside the Alpha’s private suite, the only light came from the massive stone hearth, where the dry cedar logs crackled and threw long, dancing shadows across the polished timber floor.

Vera had slipped into the room an hour earlier, leaving a heavy wooden tray on the low table before disappearing with a knowing, gentle smile. She had prepared a simple, comforting meal: a basket of warm, crusty bread, a small block of sharp mountain cheese, a bowl of dark, sweet cherries, and a ceramic pot of chamomile tea sweetened with wild honey.

Nila sat cross-legged on the...