Chapter 170:Morning Revelations

(Hunter's POV) Early mornings at the villa always had a peculiar stillness, as though the world itself held its breath. The air carried a faint chill, crisp with the remnants of the snowstorm from the night before. I stood in the hallway outside Roman’s study, ready to report on Hazel Walsh. The moment I raised my knuckles to knock on the study door, a movement caught my attention from the corner of my eye. Roman was exiting Scarlett’s room. The door closed softly behind him as he stepped out, and I froze mid-action. Roman, the ever-composed Shadow King, was not quite in his usual pristine state. His robe hung loosely, parting just enough to reveal faint, fresh scratches across his chest. My eyes inadvertently darted to the marks, recognizing them immediately for what they were. My Alpha rarely indulged in appearances of vulnerability, even ones earned in moments of passion. I quickly averted my gaze and greeted him respectfully. “Alpha.” He stopped mid-step, briefly looking at m