CHAPTER FIFTY THREE - What Storms Cannot Wash Away

She reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. "I hope, given time, you might see us differently. We could be good together, Lucas. A strong team for Silver Moon." Before he could respond, she rose on tiptoes and kissed his cheek, her lips lingering just a moment too long. "Good night," she whispered, then turned to leave. Lucas watched her go, an inexplicable unease settling in his stomach. Despite her words, he couldn't shake the feeling that Vanessa Mitchell wanted far more than just a courtship. The academy library stood silent and empty in the late evening hours. Massive bookshelves towered toward the vaulted ceiling, filled with ancient texts on pack history, wolf biology, and supernatural lore. Lucas sat alone at a corner table, surrounded by maps and security reports. His search for Aria continued, though increasingly in secret as pack duties demanded more of his time. The sound of approaching footsteps broke his concentration. Emma appeared between the shelves, her expre