The music and laughter of the party echoed softly through the gardens as Opal made her way back toward the pack house, her heart lighter, her mind clearer. The conversation with Kael lingered in her mind, his words playing over and over. No promises... just possibilities.
She took a deep breath, her shoulders straightening, her chin lifting. For the first time all night, she felt like she could breathe. She felt... at peace.
As she approached the house, she could see the golden light spilling out through the grand windows, the silhouettes of dancing couples moving gracefully across the floor. She smiled, her chest tightening. I can do this. I can face this.
