Third Person POV
The great hall behind us still rang with the booming laughter of the warriors and the rhythmic clink of heavy wooden cups, but the atmosphere shifted the moment the pack elders approached.
Helen felt Kai's muscular arm tighten protectively around her waist, his body heat seeping through the fabric of her dress.
He looked over the top of her head at the three old men advancing toward them, his sharp jawline tensing.
His expression was firm, but there was no anger in his eyes.
Just a deep, bone-deep exhaustion from days of political maneuvering.
"I have to speak with them," he murmured, his deep voice vibrating against her hair as he leaned down.
"It will not take long, I promise."
Helen nodded understandingly and took a slow step back to give him space.
Before she could fully pull away, his thick fingers caught hers for a fleeting moment, squeezing her hand firmly once before letting go.
