Chapter Twenty-Two
Morning arrived slowly over the forest.
For the first time in days, the territory felt quiet.
Not the tense, watchful silence that came before a fight.
A different kind of quiet.
Peace.
The clearing outside the cabin was covered in fresh snow again, hiding the marks left behind by the battle. Wolves moved calmly through the trees, their movements relaxed but alert.
The pack had survived.
And word of the victory had spread quickly.
Lila stood near the edge of the clearing, watching the early light filter through the tall pine branches.
The air was cold, but she barely noticed.
Something inside her had changed.
The bond.
Now that it was complete, she could feel Darian everywhere.
Not literally—but close enough.
His emotions brushed lightly against her mind l
