Lucia emerged from the forest, her steps slow and deliberate as she drew closer to the soft glow of the bonfire. Her breath caught in her throat as she spotted Luke and Miranda sitting together, their faces lit by the flickering flames. They were laughing, their voices light and carefree, completely unaware of her presence.
For a moment, she hesitated. She had left the pack’s den after days of internal turmoil, needing time to think, to process everything. She hadn’t expected to stumble upon Luke and Miranda like this—especially not in such a relaxed, comfortable setting. It made her chest tighten, the ease between them striking a chord of jealousy and frustration deep within her. But she pushed those feelings down, reminding herself why she had come here in the first place.
Taking a dee
