*Starblood Pack — Healer’s Den, Night Deepens*

 The healer’s den had grown quieter since dusk settled fully. The wounded had drifted into uneasy sleep, their shallow breaths and faint groans echoing beneath the low rafters. Outside, the pack’s guards paced the treeline with wary eyes. 

 Crystal sat against Ryder’s cot, her fingers tangled with his. His breathing was steadier now, but every time he winced in his sleep, guilt dug claws into her chest. Aelira was quiet within her, ...