As the group made their way back through the woods, the atmosphere was charged with a mix of anticipation and tension. The journey was swift, the members of Marcus's pack moving with practiced ease through the familiar terrain. The sun had set, casting the landscape in hues of twilight, as they finally arrived at the imposing gates of Marcus’s mansion.

The grand structure loomed ahead, its impressive facade illuminated by soft lights that gave it a warm and welcoming glow. Marcus, leading ...