Rowan forced a strained smile. "Just… take care of yourself, alright? And if anything feels off, or wrong, or… I don't know, cold? You tell me."
Devon nodded, touched by the concern. "I will."
Rowan turned to leave, but paused at the door. His voice dropped low.
"For what it's worth," he said, "I hope Lucien realizes what he has before he ruins it."
Devon looked puzzled. "Ruins what?"
Rowan didn't answer. He slipped out with a sigh that carried weeks of stress he hadn't lived yet.
Devon expected things to feel different after the contract… he just didn't expect this kind of difference. Word spread fast through Ravenmoon, and the entire pack reacted like he'd suddenly grown a halo.
Wolves who used to ignore him now bowed respectfully. Servants who once eyed him with caution now offered warm smiles and extra helpings of food. Even warriors nodded at him in the halls, treating him like he belonged.
