Damien arrived just before dawn.

The sky was still dark, the air cold and quiet. Ivy was already awake. She stood at the edge of the training field, watching a small group of warriors run drills. Their movements were sharp, fast, filled with focus. No one laughed. No one spoke.

War had settled into the pack.

Damien walked toward her, his steps steady. His face was serious, but there was something else there too. Relief. Satisfaction.

“It’s done,” he said.

Ivy didn’t turn right away. ...