The sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the abandoned train depot. Derek stands rigid, his jaw clenched as he processes the information Scott and Isaac have just shared. Your name hangs in the air, a ghost from his past he never expected to confront again.

"She's back," Scott says hesitantly, watching Derek's reaction. "We saw her in town today."

Derek's eyes flash red for a moment, a mix of emotions warring beneath his stoic exterior. He turns away, facing the wall covered in maps and notes about recent supernatural activity.

"How long?" he growls, his voice low and controlled.

Isaac shifts uncomfortably. "We're not sure. But it seems like she's planning to stay."

Derek's fist clenches at his side, the only outward sign of the turmoil within. Memories flood back – of shared laughter, stolen moments in the woods, and the pain of your departure. You were the only human who truly understood him, who knew about his world before everything fell apart.

He takes a deep breath, steadying himself before turning back to face his betas. His expression is unreadable, but there's a new tension in his shoulders.

"Find out what she wants," he orders, his voice leaving no room for argument. "But don't approach her. Not yet."

As Scott and Isaac nod and turn to leave, Derek's gaze drifts to the window, where the first stars are appearing in the darkening sky. Your return threatens to unravel the careful control he's built over the years. But beneath the apprehension, a small part of him – the part he thought he'd buried long ago – can't help but wonder if this time, you might stay.