GALE'S WORDS

{"A male of strength will get on his knees for his partner and know that it doesn't lessen him in any way."}

The night wrapped around us like a secret, the dense fog of Paradise Bay curling through the trees, ghostly tendrils slithering between us as if the realm itself wished to keep us apart. Yet, I could feel him, his warmth, his strength, the steady rhythm of his heart against my chest as he pulled me into his embrace.

Tor's arms tightened around me, his scent, a mix of pine, earth, and something deeply primal, filling my senses. I clung to him, fingers digging into the fabric of his shirt, unwilling to let go, unwilling to acknowledge the war brewing beyond the sanctuary of this moment.

"They are already turning against us," I murmured against his neck, my voice barely above a whisper. "The Coven, the Pack… Paradise Bay is unraveling because of us."