Chapter 15: The Alpha Reborn

The forest whispered his name. Lucien ran through the Hollow like a shadow, his paws pounding against the earth, his lungs burning with every breath. His wolf form was leaner now, his muscles stiff from weeks of weakness, but he didn’t stop. Couldn’t stop. The bond throbbed in his chest, faint but steady, leading him home like a compass. It pulled him like gravity, like instinct, and he followed it without question, tearing through the trees as the manor came into view. His heart slammed against his ribs. He shifted the second he reached the clearing, collapsing to his knees, chest heaving. His skin prickled, his bones aching from the shift, but he ignored the pain. He was home. And Serena was close. Lucien staggered to his feet, his body swaying, and started toward the manor. --- Inside, Serena sat at the dining table, pushing her food around her plate. The pack ate quietly, their eyes flicking to her every few moments, but no one spoke. The air was heavy, weighed down by