Chapter 15

Maeve’s POV

The next morning, I woke before dawn, Draven’s heat still lingering on my skin. I couldn’t shake that moment from my mind. I hated how much he had unsettled me, and yet I found myself craving the memory of his touch. Mortified by my own thoughts, I let out a soft sigh.

Ever since Dorian—whom I now loathed as a traitor—had delivered me back, I’d barely left my room. I’d expected severe punishment: in our pack, a Luna who fled her mate and kin was committing a grave offense. I braced for a dungeon cell, for cruel reprisals. Instead, I’d been confined here, to my bedchamber. Compared to the dungeons, that felt like mercy.

A sudden click at the doorknob jolted me upright. The door swung open to reveal Aria—my closest friend—her chocolate-brown eyes brimming with concern.

“Maeve,” she breathed.

“Aria,” I replied, springing to my feet, and we fell into each other’s arms. My heart clenched at the warmth of her embrace.

“You frightened