Before the Fall – A Flashback
The forest was alive with the golden hues of late afternoon, sunlight filtering through the dense canopy in shimmering beams that danced on the forest floor. Every breath of wind stirred the leaves into a gentle rustle, a whispering chorus that echoed through the ancient pines. The air smelled of pine needles, earth, and the faint, sharp trace of wildflowers—sweet and clean, untouched by the world’s burdens.
In that moment, there was no war, no expectations, no looming legacy. Just the forest, the quiet symphony of birdsong, and two wolves whose souls had long since intertwined.
Rowan’s laughter rang out, light and free, as he leapt over a fallen log. His muscles moved fluidly beneath his clothes, all power and grace honed by years of rigorous training. He
