I turned to face Ethan, holding back a smile at his expression. “Devin told them Kylie and I were evaluating their patrols, and I guess they panicked.” I shrugged, hoping to brush it off.

Ethan raised an eyebrow, then, without a word, slid a tray towards me. “Eat. You’re not gaining weight fast enough, and you’re tiny enough as it is.” Then he turned and walked away, as silently as he’d arrived.

I blinked, feeling the familiar frustration at his bossy approach, but there was an odd comfort in it too. This was his way of checking in, of making sure I was cared for even if we weren’t exactly on speaking terms. I sighed, knowing that he was right about one thing—I’d have to eat.

The next few days settled into a routine I hadn’t realized I’d missed. Between patrols and training, things felt calm, almost predictable. Marnie, surprisingly, took my advice and was less of a burden on our patrols, though we still struggled as a team. Kylie and I exchanged notes on Jeanie’s progress, both amused at how seriously the girls were taking this new challenge.

Friday arrived, and Kylie couldn’t contain her excitement. “After training tomorrow, we’re getting ready in the Luna’s suite for the Mating Ball,” she announced as we walked to class. “And we’re seeing Martha at the diner before we head over.”

“You mean to tell me we need hours to get ready?” I groaned, not hiding my annoyance. “Why so long?”

She laughed, rolling her eyes. “Just go with it. It’s tradition.” Her face softened, seeing my reluctant smile. “I know you’re dreading it, but you might enjoy it more than you think.”

That evening, training flew by as I channeled all my nervous energy into each set. Kylie and I emerged to find the guys waiting in the kitchen, each one wearing a strangely neutral expression. Aaron and Ryan were staring at me, no emotion, just intensity. Devin flashed a small smile, and Ethan slid a protein shake towards me without a word, turning to leave as soon as he did.

“Ethan’s heading to his patrol,” Devin explained, sensing my confusion. “He said you need to put on some weight.”

I rolled my eyes and took the shake, heading upstairs to my room in the pack house. Luna Ava had left a stack of books for me, and I spread out, feeling the first real quiet in days. No friends checking on me, no hidden guards—just stillness.

Saturday dawned quiet and early. I dressed quickly, shaking off the strange sense of emptiness that had settled in my room overnight. Downstairs, I found Gamma Brett chatting with Ethan, both of whom stopped talking as soon as I entered.

“Ready?” Gamma Brett asked, his voice businesslike.

I nodded, taking the protein shake Ethan handed me before he moved to head out. As he passed, I reached out, barely touching his arm. He paused, not looking at me, but I felt his breath catch.

“Thank you,” I murmured, hoping he knew I meant more than just the shake. He gave a small nod and walked off, leaving me to head out with Gamma Brett.

Patrols had been quiet, the coastlines free from any signs of intruders, and it gave me time to think. I tried to piece together why the territory hadn’t been breached yet, what the severed fingers could mean, why they were dusted with silver. My brain hurt just thinking about it.

“What’s got you so deep in thought,” Gamma Brett’s voice cut through my haze.

I hesitated, “Just theories. Probably things you and the others have already thought of.”

“Selene, you know you can talk to me, right? You’ve shut everyone out, not just the boys.”

I took a deep breath, knowing he was right. “I just… I think if anything happens, it’ll be after the guys leave. The pack loses five of our best warriors when they go to the Royal Pack, and whoever’s behind this might be waiting for that.”

Gamma Brett nodded. “It’s a solid theory. It’s one we’re considering, but nothing’s certain yet. And just so you know, we wouldn’t use anyone as bait unknowingly.”

I nodded, not missing Marnie’s wide-eyed look at the mention of “bait.” She’d been making an effort, but the gap between her level and mine was wide. Only a few weeks of this rotation left, I reminded myself.

Patrol ended, and I headed back to train the younger pups, feeling a sense of calm as I watched them try out new moves. Their energy and excitement were infectious, a reminder of the joy I’d felt when I was just starting out.