/-Maleek-/

The weeks following Zara's collapse were grueling.

True to the healer's word, we performed the life-sharing ritual every morning. Each time, it drained us—left us exhausted and weakened—but it kept Zara and the twins alive. It kept our family intact.

The pack rallied around us. Warriors took on extra patrols so Draven and I could rest. Elders handled administrative duties. And pack members brought food, supplies, support—anything that might help us through this difficult ...