Emma's Pov

　　The clearing is filled with wounded werewolves and caregivers working frantically. The grass, stained red, contrasts with the golden rays of the rising sun. The sounds of groans and muffled orders swirl around me, a symphony of pain and survival.

　　I rub my eyes, trying to fend off the exhaustion threatening to overwhelm me. How I wish none of this had happened. But Charlotte's prophecy was correct, and all this happened, unfortunately.

　　"We can't keep beating ourselves up over things we can't change, Emma," Eldra comments within me, her voice an unexpected comfort.

　　"Around fifteen sorcerers, Alpha Emma," Jordan declares, and I nod, quickly absorbing the information and thinking of how to use it to our advantage.

　　"Okay, then, ten sorcerers focus on treating the most severe cases. The other five spread out to handle the moderately wounded, and those with minor injuries, we werewolves will take care of," I order with authority, my voice cutting through the tension in the air.

　　I relay the information through the mindlink to the rest of my wolf pack in the field. With that, we all start tending to the wounded; the process is long and arduous. Amelia and Kylian arrived in the afternoon with food and helped treat the most severe cases. Their presence is a very welcome blessing.

　　My wolf pack helps all the werewolves from the Night Howler Pack and Direwolf Pack with mastery. The sun heats above our heads, and my body starts showing signs of exhaustion after several hours of walking through the forest, rescuing some unconscious werewolves, and administering care.

　　The hours drag on throughout the day, and I only take a break when the sun has already set, and my stomach growls, asking for something to fill it. An improvised camp was set up to distribute food, and I headed there to see what I could eat.

　　"All the severely wounded have been relocated and sent to the Night Howlers Pack, Alpha Emma," Faylen informs me as I grab a sandwich and a cup of hot coffee.

　　She accompanies me to a smooth stone I use as a chair. My shoulders ache, just like my feet, which throb inside my combat boots. I take a big bite of the sandwich, savoring the delicious taste of its components. It's a simple sandwich, but incredibly comforting.

　　"Great, then soon we'll be able to regroup and return to the Stonehaven Pack," I comment, my voice relieved as I chew the food.

　　After finishing the sandwich and coffee, I help send the rest of the wounded back to the Direwolf Pack and Night Howlers Pack. With only my wolf pack remaining, I gather everyone in the forest.

　　"My family, what happened here today will be forever marked in our wolf pack! You've brought me pride and, above all, you've brought me trust. I trust my life to you, whether to defend it or to save it. We, the Stonehaven Pack, will never seek battles we can't win or wars we can't triumph in. But above all, we, the Stonehaven Pack, will never deny the peace we can always achieve!" I announce with enthusiasm, and a round of applause and howls are directed at me.

　　I smile triumphantly and proudly at all the members of my wolf pack. My true family.

　　"Now, everyone returns to our home and rest, you deserve it!" I declare with firmness and joy. I turn to speak to Faylen, "I'm going to visit Matthew, I should be back early tomorrow."

　　"Do you want an escort, Alpha Emma?" Faylen asks, concerned, and I shake my head.

　　"It's not necessary, I'll go with the last car that's taking the wounded to the Night Howlers Pack, don't worry," I inform her reassuringly and hug my beta.

　　The journey to the Night Howlers Pack is peaceful, and my anxiety to see Matthew only grows.

　　However, I'm surprised when I reach Matthew's room door and find Ava inside, very close to my mate.

　　"Ava, what are you doing?" I ask irritably, jealousy threatening to bloom within me.

　　Matthew's eyes meet mine, and I notice the irritation he carries. As for Ava, her gaze is one of surprise, almost like she's startled.

　　"Emma! Hi, dear, I didn't think you'd come all the way here," Ava says hastily.

　　I notice a first aid kit open at the edge of Matthew's bed, with my mate sitting on the edge as well. Ava, on the other hand, is standing with a gauze in her hand. Her outfit is very provocative, wearing a short, highly revealing dress.

　　"What are you doing here, Ava?" I ask again, stepping into the room and standing close to Matthew.

　　Ava steps back with an awkward smile on her lips, "I came as a peace ambassador. What happened today was simply…" Ava places a hand on her chest, her face taking on a sorrowful aspect, "horrible, simply horrible. I thought the most appropriate thing to do was offer my help to tend to Matthew's wounds."