Chapter 15: A Delicate Balance

The sun went low on the horizon as Aveline approached the gates of the rival pack's territory. The air felt heavier here, filled with serious tension. Gabriel's wolves stood guard, their gazes sharp and assessing. She kept her shoulders arranged, her expression calm, even as their serious checking made her skin ache to the bone.

The gates made a creak sound upon opening, revealing Gabriel himself. He was dressed in his formal Alpha attire, his presence commanding. His expression was unreadable, but his piercing eyes lingered on her for a moment too long.

"Welcome, Aveline," he said with a slight bow of his head.

"Thank you for having me," she replied, her voice steady despite the rumbling of anger in her chest.

The wolves around them exchanged murmurs, their curiosity plain. Aveline felt their distrust like a weight pressing on her, but she kept her posture firm and her eyes straight. Gabriel's hand gestured toward the pathway ahead.