Chapter 178. Can't You Knock?

I leaned against the counter, sipping the water slowly this time, letting the cool liquid soothe the lingering tightness in my chest. The kitchen was quite, save for the faint hum of the refrigerator and the soft clink of the glass as I set it down. 

For the first time in what felt like hours, my thoughts were not racing. They were orderly, almost calm, and I was grateful for it all. 

The run had not solved my problems—far from it—but it gave me a moment to breathe, to remember that no matter how overwhelming things felt, I was still here, still standing. 

And maybe, just maybe, I was stronger than I thought. 

I glanced out the large kitchen window. The moon was rising, its pale glow spilling over the garden and casting long, silvery shadows. My stomach twisted at the sight of it, the anxiety creeping back in. 

The full moon was a reminder of everything I was trying to avoid: the decisions, the expectations, the pack’s scrutiny. It all