Riven took a hesitant step back, planting his feet firmly on the grass of the moonlit garden. He closed his eyes, trying to summon the elusive connection to the wolf that was supposed to be inside him. Everyone said it was instinctual, as if just thinking about it was enough.
But no matter how still he stood, how deeply he breathed in the crisp mountain air, nothing happened.
He clenched his fists and bit his lip in frustration. His brows furrowed tightly as a small growl of annoyance rumbled in his throat. After a moment, his eyes opened, and he glared straight at Ronan, as if somehow this was all his fault.
Ronan, who had been watching quietly, immediately stepped forward and enveloped him in a firm hug. "Hey," he murmured into Riven's hair, "don't look at me like that." His voice was low and steady, calm like the earth beneath their feet. "This isn't something you force. It's like calling a part of yourself back home. You're not broken, Riven."
