The dining hall buzzed softly with morning light, the windows open just enough to let in the cool breeze that stirred the sheer curtains. Plates were being cleared, chairs were scraped gently against the floor as pack members trickled in and out.

But two seats remained empty.

Aria glanced at the untouched dishes set aside for Damon and Talia. She and Lucien sat in silence for a moment longer, the air between them filled with thoughts too heavy for words.

Lucien finally sighed, pushing back his chair. “I’ll go check on them.”

***

Upstairs, the room was quiet save for the soft hum of wind outside the window.

Damon stood...