Chapter 26 026

• Astra smiled to herself as she carefully balanced the silver tray in her hands, the aroma of warm bread and spiced tea curling upward in soft wisps. The corridors of the Alpha's manor were unusually quiet at this hour, and each of her footsteps echoed gently against the polished stone floor. Her heart beat a little faster with each step she took—excitement and nerves mingling inside her like a storm waiting to break.
• She had spent time with him just earlier last night. But it was never enough. It never felt like enough. Every moment they shared in secret was precious and fleeting—always at risk of being discovered. So she made excuses, like this tray of breakfast, to steal one last moment before he was swallowed again by the duties of leadership.
• When she reached his door, it swung open almost instantly, and she stepped inside without knocking. He was halfway through pulling on his shirt, his hair still damp from a rushed bath, and his belt slung over one shoulder with his sword hanging loose at his side.