#Chapter 122: Rising Tensions

Abby The sun pours through the curtains, bathing my bedroom in a soft, golden light. As I slowly blink awake, I’m almost immediately filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. My friends, my little family, they all came together to help me last night. My apartment is almost back to normal, just waiting for a fresh coat of paint and some minor repairs that the landlord promised to handle at no cost. But then it hits me—the kiss. My cheeks flush at the memory. Karl and I, alone in the pantry, his lips meeting mine in a stolen moment that felt like it lasted forever. I can’t shake off the feeling of his lips against mine, the sensation of his hair curling through my fingers, or the way my wolf seemed to wake up, even if just for a moment. And then there was the awkwardness that followed, the way he walked away, his face unreadable. He was quiet the rest of the evening, and I noticed that he slipped away early. “Ugh,” I groan softly, getting out of bed. As I wa