Emma's Pov

　　"We've entered the final week of training, Alpha Emma. This is the last week of endurance and strategy tests," Faylen informs me during breakfast, her voice firm, contrasting with the softness of the morning.

　　My mind is still waking up to all the information it needs to process. I rub my sleepy eyes and yawn in response to Faylen's statement. I feel the weight of the last night's sleep slowly dissipating from my body.

　　I point to an empty chair at the table, indicating for my beta to sit. The room is illuminated by the large windows we installed, flooding the dining area with the golden light of the rising sun. Sunbeams dance across the room, warming the space in a welcoming manner, especially since a cold front is approaching in the coming days, bringing with it the start of chilly evenings and winter.

　　"Faylen, take it easy, please," I request in my still-hoarse voice, blinking slowly at her as another yawn escapes my lips.

　　I'm still in my soft and comfortable cotton pajamas, the fabric caressing my skin like a friendly hug. My short hair is disheveled, a clear sign of my night's sleep, and my face is undoubtedly still creased. Faylen, on the other hand, looks impeccable. Her short, bleached hair is neatly styled, and her beautiful almond-shaped eyes are adorned with powerful eyeliner. Her outfit is casual yet elegant.

　　My beta laughs and nods as she sits next to me for breakfast. I rest my head on my hand on the table and look at her with a peaceful expression, soaking in the tranquility of our morning moment.

　　"Did you sleep well, dear?" I ask, my voice now less hoarse.

　　Before Faylen can respond, a member of our wolf pack arrives with a pitcher of juice and freshly brewed coffee. The aroma fills the room, waking me up a bit more. He places the two beverages on the table, and I quickly pour myself some coffee.

　　"Yes, Alpha Emma. I slept very well, thank you. And you?" Faylen asks politely and kindly.

　　I smile at her before bringing the cup of hot coffee to my lips. I take a sip, feeling the sweet, warm coffee fill my throat, each drop awakening my body and mind a little more. I close my eyes, savoring the pleasure of the drink that gradually wakes me up.

　　"Yes, dear, yes. Now we can chat a bit, but no major decisions. I'm still waking up," I joke before setting the cup back on the table and smiling brightly. "Tell me, how's the packhouse? Is everyone well settled? Do you like your separate house? Do you need anything else?" I ask with interest and concern, my eyes searching her face for any sign of trouble or discomfort with the new home.

　　With the mining business going well, it was possible to even create an individual house for Faylen. I also plan to do this for Jordan and Brunno. And for Amelia and Kylian when they get older, of course. The first members of my wolf pack, who are part of my close circle of friends, deserve special treatment. After all, they were the first to believe in me, to support me when the entire territory of Stonehaven Pack was just an empty field.

　　I recall how those first cold nights were and the uncertainties we faced together. I was still suffering from the breakup with the Moonshadow Pack, from the way my parents treated me, and the overwhelming love I had for Matthew, but couldn't have. I was alone and unsure of what to do, and how to start.

　　But they, Amelia, Kylian, Faylen, and the twins, they were my salvation. The family I could choose and learn to love with all my heart.

　　"Everything is perfect, Alpha Emma. It's the first time I have a house just for me, it's kind of strange," Faylen smiles, and I nod in agreement with her statement.

　　It's also my first time living alone in a house of my own. I spent my entire life living with my parents, and when I left, the months I stayed at Matthew's house, I wasn't alone either. But now I am, and it's been a challenge.

　　Matthew visits me occasionally, but those visits have decreased over the weeks. The confrontations between the Night Howlers Pack and the Moonshadow Pack have intensified. I even heard that the Direwolf Pack has joined the conflict. I wondered if it was because of Daniel's declaration of feelings for me or something much more serious.

　　"The accommodations for our wolf pack members are all in order. There's nothing more we could ask for; you've been very attentive to each of us, Alpha Emma," Faylen responds, her eyes shining with gratitude. I feel a warm glow inside me, a mixture of pride and happiness to hear this with such sincerity.

　　What I want most for my wolf pack is to provide a safe and comfortable home for all of them.

　　I finish my breakfast with Faylen by my side, our conversation focusing on things that don't require immediate decisions until the end of the meal. After eating the last piece of my donut, I decided to start talking about the training and tests.

　　"Is the arena for the tests set up and well-made?" I ask seriously. Faylen hands me the tablet with the arena project already open. I analyze the structure and components of the tests. "Great, and we'll be able to start after lunch, correct?"

　　"Yes, that's right. Jordan and I are in charge of the final details. Amelia and Kylian are tasked with informing all members about the important details of the tests," Faylen reports with a serious and confident voice.

　　"Great!" I affirm with a nod.

　　"Alpha Emma, if I may, I have something important to ask," Faylen announces, her voice more restrained, and I notice a tone of concern.

　　"Go ahead, dear. What's it about?" I ask curiously, encouraging her with a nod to continue.

　　"It's about this war between the three packs. They are the most powerful on the continent. And I know Matthew is your mate… I want to know what this means for us here in the Stonehaven Pack. Are we going to join this war?"

　　The question hangs in the air like a heavy tension, a great fear. Charlotte's prophecy looms in my mind like an enormous weight that even reaches my heart.

　　"Yes, Matthew is my destined mate. And it's been hard to see these confrontations and so many lives being lost," I comment with sorrow and pain in my voice. "That's why I won't intervene for now. I don't want this for our wolf pack. We still need to finish the training and make sure this war doesn't reach our doorstep."