The weight of leadership settled over Lyla’s shoulders.

Not like a cage.

Not like something pressing her down.

But as something real.

Something she had chosen.

The packs of Silverwood had begun rebuilding.

Wolves moved through the clearing, reinforcing their homes, checking on the wounded, learning what life looked like after the war.

Lyla watched it all, standing at the highest ridge, overlooking the world she had fought to change.

It felt… different.

For the first time, ...