Night wrapped itself heavily around the city as rain continued falling in soft relentless sheets across rooftops and empty streets, and Elara stood frozen near the balcony railing with widening eyes while the growl rising from below echoed faintly through the storm-dark air like a warning spoken directly against her pulse.
The Alpha energy pressing against her senses no longer felt distant.
No longer uncertain.
It surrounded her now.
Close enough to touch.
Close enough to ruin her carefully controlled world.
Olivia stared at her in visible alarm while wind whipped sharply through the balcony, carrying cold rain against both women as thunder rolled heavily above the skyline.
"…Ella," Olivia whispered softly while tightening her grip around Elara's trembling hands, concern flashing openly through her face now, "…why do you suddenly look terrified," she added after a brief pause, "…what's happening," she finished quietly.
