Eve pushed back from the table, her breakfast completely forgotten. "I need air."
Damon stood immediately. "I'll come with you."
"No." Eve's voice came out sharper than she intended. "Please. I just... I need a moment alone."
She could see Damian about to argue, But finally, he nodded. "Don't leave the estate grounds. And if anyone approaches you, call for us immediately."
Eve agreed and fled the dining room before anyone else could offer submission or apologies or fearful respect.
She ended up in the gardens....Sarah's domain....surrounded by the roses that were indeed in full bloom. The morning air was cool against her flushed skin, and for a moment, she could almost pretend she was normal. Just a girl in a garden, admiring flowers.
But even here, she wasn't alone.
Two younger pack members....teenagers, maybe seventeen or eighteen....were pruning bushes nearby. When they noticed her, they both froze, their shears forgotten in their hands.
