Chapter 217

Deric POV

The waning moon cast a pale, silvery light across Morrien, softening the edges of the pack’s compound yet leaving long shadows in the corners. Even now, after some of Felen’s spies had been dealt with, the residue of unease lingered. I walked slowly, my boots crunching over frost-hardened leaves, my hands shoved deep into the pockets of my coat. I had a destination in mind, though my steps faltered the closer I got: Elvira’s quarters.

I stopped outside the door, listening for any sign of her. Nothing. The faint scent of lavender drifted through the partially open window, familiar and grounding, yet it made the knots in my chest tighten.

“Deric?” Her voice, calm yet sharp, drew my attention. She leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, gaze cautious. “You wanted to see me?”

I swallowed, suddenly aware o