SERAPHINA’S POV
The courtyard emptied slowly, voices tapering into soft murmurs, torches burning low. The air still vibrated faintly with the residue of the rituals—the blessings, the power, the pride.
Daniel’s name lingered in the air like smoke.
Ethan and Maya only left after I assured them I was fine and Maya extracted a promise from me to call her when I got home.
When the last of the pack members bowed and departed, Nightfang settled into a rare hush.
Daniel would stay overnight in the pack house—customary for a newly recognized heir. A tradition symbolizing the child’s first night under the roof they would one day lead.
I followed him up the stairs, our footsteps muffled by the soft runner carpet. He walked ahead of me with a swagger he’d never had before, his small shoulders pulled back like he was twice his size.
When we reached his room, he swept his arm out and pushed the door open with an exaggerated flourish.
