Iris's POV:
We returned to the forest.
Familiar branches swayed in the wind, and the scent of damp earth, pine needles, and crushed grass surrounded us. A stream whispered over distant stones. Sunlight filtered through the layered leaves and scattered warm patches of gold across the forest floor.
My father, Alpha Aldric, waited at the border.
He asked no questions. He placed a hand on my shoulder, then looked at the pack members behind me.
"I'm glad you're home," he said. "This is where werewolves belong."
The forest was well hidden, and its boundaries were secure. My father and I helped the pack repair the cabins scattered among the trees and settle back into our old life.
Smoke rose from chimneys in the morning. At night, everyone gathered around the fire to share the day's hunt,
