Chapter 109

The moment my boots touched the ground beyond the pack house, I felt it.

Not danger.

Expectation.

The air itself felt stretched, like something was waiting for me to make the wrong move.

Torches burned along the border, casting long shadows that twisted unnaturally across the dirt. Wolves stood in a loose line, weapons lowered but ready. No one attacked. No one spoke.

They were watching.

I slowed my steps, keeping my breathing steady. My heart beat hard, but not fast. Fear ...