Chapter 168

The night came down slowly, like the land was careful not to disturb what had finally settled.

Fires were lit across the pack—not for celebration, not for mourning, but for watchfulness. Wolves stood in small groups, talking in low voices, testing this new quiet the way one tests ice after a long winter.

Kaia stood at the edge of the clearing, arms folded, watching the flames sway.

“They’re afraid,” she said softly.

Caleb joined her, his presence solid, grounding. “Of ...