Elena
*****Nightfall — The Living City of New Silverfang*****
New Silverfang no longer smelled like ash or blood.
That was the first thing I noticed when the doors of the Grand Sanctuary finally opened and we stepped outside.
The city was alive.
Not rebuilt in cold stone and sharp edges like before, but reshaped. Wide streets lined with lanterns instead of watchtowers. Homes built close together, not separated by rank. Wolves, humans, rogues walking side by side without guards gripping weapons.
Laughter carried through the air.
Careful laughter.
But real.
Chase’s hand found mine, warm and steady, grounding me as the crowd bowed, not low, not trembling. Just respectful.
No fear in their eyes.
That alone almost broke me.
“This feels strange,” I murmured.
Chase glanced at me. “Go
