The air inside the pack house felt heavy, suffocating. The laughter and music echoed off the walls, the whispers and curious gazes pressing in on Opal from all sides. Her chest tightened, her heart racing, her breaths coming fast and shallow. I can't breathe... I need air... I need space.
She turned to Ash, her shoulders tense, her voice low. "I need some air. I'm... going for a walk."
Ash's silver eyes widened with concern, his jaw tightening. "I'll come with you."
Opal shook her head, her violet eyes firm. "No... I need to be alone. Just for a little while." She forced a smile, her voice steady. "I'll be fine. It's our territory. There's nothing out there that can hurt me."
Ash hesitated, his eyes narrowing. "You sure? That Kael guy gives me a bad feeling. I don't trust him."
Opal's chest tightened, her shoulders stiffening. "I don't trust him either... but I'm not afraid of him." Her voice was calm, resolute. "I need to clear my head... and I can't do that in here."
