"Lyra Nightclaw, weren't you supposed to be at your birth pack's den?"
I met his cold stare with a smile.
"The mountain passes closed."
His expression darkened. I pretended not to notice.
"Everyone, please—eat, drink. Raven, it's been ages since we've crossed paths. I had no idea you'd be here in my den. Tomorrow's the first day of the new moon cycle—how perfect that we can all celebrate together."
The silence that followed was heavy as snowfall. You could've heard a pine needle drop.
Every bite of food turned to ash in my mouth, but I kept eating. I stuffed myself until my stomach ached.
They couldn't take it anymore.
Ronan grabbed my wrist and yanked me up from my seat.
"Fine. Yes. It's exactly what it looks like."
His voice turned sharp. "Lyra, if you have something to say, just say it. Stop with the passive-aggressive act—you're making Raven uncomfortable."
He stepped in front of her, shielding her with his broad shoulders. As if I were the threat.
I hadn't done anything. I'd just eaten dinner.
I looked at my pack-parents. They shifted awkwardly but positioned themselves protectively around Raven too.
Like she was pack.
Like they were the real family here.