Chapter 19: The Weight of the Bond

Lucien hadn’t told Serena. He couldn’t. He spent the next day pretending everything was fine — helping rebuild the outer wall, checking in on the injured pack members, and standing at Serena’s side during the evening patrol. But he could feel the forest watching. Could feel it *inside* him. Every step he took, every breath, the Hollow pulsed beneath his skin, a constant, crawling reminder that he wasn’t free. That he might never be free. And that the forest *knew.* By nightfall, Lucien was exhausted, but he didn’t dare sleep. The dreams would come again. The shade would come again. He sat by the window in their room, watching the trees sway against the darkened sky, rubbing the scar on his chest — the place where Evelyn’s claws had torn him open. Serena stirred behind him. “Lucien?” she mumbled sleepily, propping herself up on her elbow. “Why are you still awake?” Lucien turned, forcing a smile. “Couldn’t sleep,” he whispered. Serena frowned, her gaze sharp despite the ling