The night was deep when Emily was roused from restless sleep by the creak of the kennel door. In the darkness, she made out Alexander's imposing silhouette. Her heart raced, a mix of fear and anticipation.

He approached slowly, as if afraid of startling her. In the pale light of the moon, Emily saw his face. For the first time, she discerned a vulnerability she would never have thought possible in this man. His usually harsh features were marked by sorrow and guilt.