20: Anxiety And Anticipation

HANNAH'S POV

Ever since arriving at the Blue Moon pack and being confined to Xavier's room, the outside world had become a distant memory. The walls of his quarters were both my shelter and my prison, with only fleeting glimpses of the world beyond through half-closed curtains.

So when he finally told me about the party, I could only think of one thing: freedom, at last. But the momentary joy was quickly replaced by a creeping sense of dread. Xavier mentioned that he had invited all the neighboring packs and allies.

Could Coby be among them?

The thought sent a cold shiver down my spine, my palms dampening with the anxiety that gripped me. As we walked down the long hallway, my fingers instinctively tightened around Xavier's arm, my anchor in this storm of uncertainty.

"Are you okay?" Xavier's voice, always so controlled, now had an edge of concern. His eyes flickered toward me, softening at the sight of my tension.

I forced a smile, though my stomach was in knots. "Yeah, just... a lit