The courtyard lay under a low sky, the air pressed heavy with pine resin and damp stone. Night had not yet fallen, yet the light felt strained — as though the world itself held its breath.
Elara stood alone near the boundary stones.
She sensed Serena before she saw her.
Bootsteps. Controlled. Delibrate.
Not hostile.
Not friendly.
Testing.
Serena stopped a few paces away, arms folded.
"Everyone's whispering," she said. "Ridiculous, honestly."
Elara's gaze remained forward. "About?"
Serena gave a short laugh. "About the Alpha losing his damn mind over a girl who refuses him."
Elara's jaw tightened.
"Tsk," Serena muttered. "You're calm. That's either admirable… or suspicious."
A wind moved between them.
Carrying scent.
Recognition.
Tension.
Serena's nostrils flared.
Her posture shifted — not consciously, but instinctively.
"Holy hell…" she whispered.
Elara's heartbeat quickened.
Serena stepped closer.
One step too close.
"Elara," she said softly, "what are you?"
