Garrett turned his attention to Nicole, his expression serious and probing. The air seemed to grow tense as he fired questions at her, leaving her feeling cornered and unsettled.

"Nicole, what's going on?" Garrett asked, his voice laced with a mix of irritation and concern. "You know that you're not supposed to leave the pack as soon as we resolve the issue with the witches. Why did you disappear without a word, and what are you doing here?"

Nicole's heart sank, guilt flooding her being. She ...