The first light of dawn spilt through the trees, casting long shadows over the Blackwood camp. The morning felt heavier than usual, the air thick with the weight of unanswered questions and lingering fears. The pack was beginning to heal from the previous days’ battles, but fractures in their unity remained. Lyla knew it would take more than time to mend the cracks.

She sat near the fire, her hands wrapped around a mug of tea. Jonas sat across from her, his shoulders hunched and his eyes ...