The Woodclaw pack party thrummed with boisterous energy, a celebratory cacophony that Tia felt utterly detached from. Kirk, ever the strong, reliable Beta, gestured her towards the VIP section where Caleb sat. Her stomach churned with a familiar dread, a premonition of heartbreak that had become all too common in Caleb's orbit.

And there she was: Kimberly Miles, a vision of blonde beauty, perched intimately beside Caleb. A silent, aching pang echoed in Tia's chest. She had known they were 'talking,' but the casual mention had never prepared her for this intimate tableau. Caleb, always so serious, had seemingly found a soft spot for this woman.

Tia took a seat, meticulously schooling her features to betray nothing of the turmoil within. She had become an expert at hiding the raw, inconvenient truth of her emotions, especially when it came to Caleb. He apologized, his voice laced with genuine regret, claiming Kimberly had delayed him. Tia's gaze flickered to Kimberly, noting the subtle smirk, the calculated possessiveness. It was deliberate, she knew.

"No need to make it up to me, Caleb. I am not mad," Tia managed, the words tasting like ash in her mouth. He thanked her, oblivious, kind in the way only a friend could be. It was a familiar ache, this friendly kindness that felt like a constant reminder of what she could never have. Four agonizing years she had crushed on him, trained for him, hoped he would finally see her. But here they were, out of the academy, on the cusp of their duties, and she was still in the friend zone, while another woman rested comfortably in his arms.