Chapter 158Joe's POV
The knock came again, firm but gentle this time.
For a split second, my gut clenched, what if it's the soldiers?. They had found out. They were here for the stolen book.
But then the sound of her voice cut through the panic like a blade through smoke.
"Joe. Open up, it's me."
Relief flooded me so suddenly my knees almost buckled. The weight of dread lifted, and in its place came that strange, undeniable calm. My wolf stilled, like a storm settling after days of violent winds. That was what Lily does to me, without even trying, she gives me peace whenever she is close by, that's how clean and clear her spirit is.
Still, I glanced back at the desk. The book. Its worn leather cover peeked out from beneath the pile of parchment. If she saw it…if she asked questions…about how I got it. What then?
I didn't want her to look at me like I was really desperate and broken.
