The gates of Silvercrest stood tall and unmoving, just as Evelyn remembered them—but this time, they didn't look like prison bars. They looked like the doors of a challenge she was ready to face.
The guards at the entrance, both warriors she once trained with, stiffened as she approached. Their gazes flicked between her and Damien, then landed on the boy trailing quietly behind them.
One of the guards—Marcus—cleared his throat. “Alpha Damien… Evelyn.” He hesitated, then dipped his head respectfully. “Welcome back.”
Damien gave a curt nod. Evelyn met Marcus's eyes for a beat longer than necessary. His face was cautious, but not hostile. It was a start.
They passed through the gates in silence, the quiet thrum of early morning filling the air. The sun crested just above the tree line, ca
