Chapter 8: Chapter 8: Secrets Beneath the Surface

Cassian's warning stayed with Aveline, galloping endlessly in her mind. It was impossible to ignore the weight of his words: "He's not the man he used to be."

The next morning, as negotiations resumed, Aveline kept a careful eye on Gabriel. Though he wore his usual calm demeanor, she noticed something was off beneath the surface, strong jawlines when his pack members spoke out of turn, different exchanges between him and Cassian, and moments where his confidence seemed to fail.

Gabriel was walking a fine line, that much was clear. But why?

As the meeting dragged on, she studied his interactions more closely. There were times when he commanded respect effortlessly, his pack hanging on his every word. But there were other moments, brief but telling when dissent showed across their faces.

He's keeping secrets, Aveline thought. Not just from me but from his own people.