Chapter 18

Tobias’ POV

I wake up at 5 a.m. every day, no alarm needed. My body’s been trained to rise with the sun—or before it. Discipline has always been easier than sleep, especially lately.

I stretch and loosen up before heading to the simple gym behind my house. It was basic—just some weights, a punching bag, and enough room to work out. I spend an hour

lifting and boxing before hitting the road.

I run—long laps along the southern border, my usual route. Minimum five miles. It keeps my wolf calm and my mind sharper than my mouth, which, frankly, says a lot.

Afterwards, I shower, hit the kitchen and make breakfast. Scrambled eggs, toast, and a coffee strong enough to raise the dead. I cook myself. Always have. I like eating alone. No noise, no conversation, just me and the silence. That’s my routine—quiet, clean, and predictable. Then I go see Kieran.

Kieran and I… we used to be close. Practically brothers back when things were simpler, when the w