I nodded, pushing myself to my feet, feeling the weight of my people's hopes like a mantle upon my shoulders. We had come this far, lost too much, to falter now. The loyalty of my allies, their belief in me, lent strength to my weary limbs.

"Eden, stay close," I said, my voice low but clear. The young wolf, more man than child now, nodded, his jaw set with a determination that mirrored his father's. His powers had bloomed in the crucible of conflict, and I swelled with pride even as I feared ...