The fire had dwindled to embers, casting a soft orange glow over the small camp nestled beside a narrow stream. The desert air had cooled, bringing a quiet stillness under the stars. Rory lay curled near Nathan, who remained in his massive black wolf form. His body radiated heat, keeping her warm under the shared blanket. Peter snored softly nearby, sprawled out with one arm over his face.
Rory’s eyes fluttered beneath closed lids as sleep pulled her deeper—then deeper still.
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She walked barefoot through a village unlike anything she’d ever seen.
The sun was high and golden above the vibrant world around her. Dirt roads ran between beautifully painted clay homes and bustling stone temples. Children ran barefoot through the streets, their laughter echoing. Women carried baskets of fr
