Elijah’s Pov

I watched the castle from the ridge above the eastern training grounds, my arms crossed as the evening wind moved through the trees. Below, the pack continued its routines. Guards changed shifts. Young wolves sparred. Life went on as if nothing was wrong.

But something was wrong.

Christian had changed.

I had known my cousin for most of my life. He had always been controlled, distant, and cold enough to keep everyone at arm’s length. That version of him was useful. Predictable. Easy to work against. The man I was watching now was different. He stayed closer to the human girl than he ever had to anyone. He...