DRAVEN
The fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering shadows across the room as Lyra darted around the table, her laughter ringing like silver bells. She flashed me a triumphant grin, my stolen steak clutched in her hand, and I couldn't help but smirk.
"No!" she protested, already anticipating my retaliation.
I leaned back in my chair, feigning indifference. "What did Mother say about playing while eating?"
"That won't make me sit beside you," she shot back, eyes sparkling with mischief. "I know you've got something planned."
"I'm not going to deny it."
She gasped in mock outrage. "Mother! Father! Tell Draven to back off!"
Our parents exchanged an amused glance, their laughter warm and indulgent. My father, the fearsome Alpha of the Silvershadow Pack, looked nothing like the ruthless leader he was in this moment—just a man enjoying dinner with his family. My mother's joy was infec-tious, her smile lighting up the room.
For a heartbeat, I wished this could last forever.
