{Elira}
~**^**~
The car rolled to a smooth stop in front of the Alpha's estate. And without waiting for anyone to open the door, I simply pushed it open and stepped out, feeling heavy and brittle, like glass stuffed with lead.
I started walking toward the house slowly, the gravel crunching under my shoes. My mind was fogged with too many thoughts—each one jabbing and pressing, like needles beneath the skin.
I didn't want to talk. I didn't want to look at anyone. I just wanted to lie down and dissolve into the silence.
"Elira," Zenon's deep voice cut through the thick air behind me.
I froze mid-step and turned slightly.
He stood beside the jeep, his gaze steady. "It's time for lunch."
"Oh." The word slipped out before I could even process it.
I waited there, awkwardly still, as if waiting for instructions.
Lennon walked up to me and placed a warm hand on my shoulder, a soft smile brushing his lips.
