Kristen's POV
The moment Luna Henderson's consciousness stirred, every member of our pack felt the shift. A collective exhale seemed to ripple through our territory as we sensed her awakening.
What remained absent was any trace of her wolf.
The silence where her wolf should be left an ache in all of us. I found myself seeking out Deryl, needing the steadying presence only he could provide. He carried so much weight now, protecting our pack while Alpha Percy remained at Henderson's bedside in the hospital.
I used bringing him lunch as my excuse to see him.
Despite his exhaustion and the mountain of responsibilities crushing down on him, Deryl abandoned his work the moment I appeared. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me against his chest in a embrace that spoke of desperate need.
"Luna Dorothy believes Henderson's wolf will return," he murmured into my hair, his voice carrying forced conviction. "We have to trust in that."
