Vigilance
In the hallway, the plan came together seamlessly as the Howlers pooled their knowledge, each of us working to gather whatever information might help Valik heal. We approached it with a clear focus—every detail mattered, and there was no room for error. Once Phillip completed the preliminary assessment, the true extent of Valik’s condition became painfully clear. His injuries ran deeper than expected, and even before Phillip spoke, I could sense the shift in the air. The tension thickened, pressing against my chest as I waited. When he sent the girls out and called Dad back inside, a tight weight settled between my ribs. The repercussions of my actions were imminent, and for the first time since taking Valik, I felt a flicker of unease, a momentary doubt curling in the back of my mind. B
- Writer
