The weeks that followed were a time of healing.
Damon recovered slowly, his body mending with the help of Elara's gift and Marta's careful attention. The wound in his side had been deep—dangerously close to vital organs—and even with Elara's extraordinary healing, the recovery was slow and painful. He kept his distance, as promised—polite, respectful, but never crossing the line into familiarity. He came to meals, attended council meetings, fulfilled his duties as Alpha. But he no longer sought her out, no longer lingered in her presence. It was exactly what Elara had wanted, and yet it left a strange ache in her heart.
Caleb threw himself into rebuilding the pack's defenses. He trained new warriors, reinforcing their skills until they moved as one unit. He reinforced the borders, settin
