My throat tightened. “Calder. You’re still with the pack.”
“Where else should I belong? They’re waiting for you.”
He held the carriage door open with a familiar, reverent gesture.
I slid inside the enchanted leather interior. The scent—pine resin, polished steel, and old magic—flooded me with memories.
As we sped away from Axton’s tower, the city lights blurred like streaks of starlight through the windows. Every mile carried me closer to the life I had abandoned.
The Rustpire Manor rose behind its iron-wolf gates, towering like a fortress carved from moonstone. Calder stopped before the grand steps where two figures waited. My parents.
I jumped out, my knees weakened halfway up the staircase.
Father’s expression was indescribable—Alpha mask firmly in place—but his eyes burned with something softer. Between pain and relief. Suddenly mother ran so fast towards me.
“Isolde!” She rushed down, velvet robes trailing behind her. She wrapped me in her arms, smelling of winter roses and home. “My little wolf, you came back.”
I hid my face in her trembling shoulder. “I’m sorry, Mother. I truly am.”
As pulling me back, she cupped my cheeks. “Now you’re here. That’s enough.”