The rain continued to fall, a steady rhythm that matched the somber mood that had settled over us. Oak's words hung in the air, heavy and final. "There's no way to get Flynn back, Akari. We have to keep moving."
I had pretended not to hear a word he'd said.
I felt my heart constrict at his words, a fresh wave of pain washing over me. How could he say that? How could he give up on Flynn so easily? But as I looked into Oak's eyes, I saw the pain there, mirroring my own. He wasn't giving up, he was trying to protect us, to keep us alive.
Elias, still in his wolf form, nudged my hand with his muzzle, a low whine escaping him. The gesture was meant to be comforting, but it only served to remind me of Flynn's absence. I stroked Elias's fur absently, my mind racing with thoughts of revenge an
