The final day of the Summit arrived under bright skies and the hum of excitement. The bloodshed of the duel died that night between five of them, and now, the estate's sprawling grounds had transformed into a fair.
Colourful tents lined the eastern fields, filled with merchants, food stalls, enchanted trinkets, and games. It was open not just to the Alphas and their inner circles but to members of all the attending packs.
Music played, and laughter rang in the air; the scent of sweet spices and grilled meat clung to the breeze.
Emerald walked through the crowd alone, deliberately keeping to the edges.
She needed space.
After everything from Ares to Rick, Kieran, the fight, and the note, she couldn't stomach another face-off with any of her mates. She had enough drama to fuel ten lifetimes already, and she wasn't about to invite more.
And gods help, Rick, if he came within arm's reach today.
