The shattered remains of the obelisk still glimmered faintly in the moonlight as the group made their way back to the Blackwood camp. Each step felt heavier than the last, the adrenaline from the battle now giving way to the weight of exhaustion. Lyla’s body ached with every movement, the toll of the forest’s magic leaving her drained.

When they arrived, the pack was waiting, their faces a mix of relief and anxiety. Mason stepped forward, his eyes scanning the group.

“Well?” he ...