The forest was eerily quiet.
Ivy stood at the edge of the Hollow, where the last of the corrupted wolves had fled into ash and silence. The golden fire in her veins simmered beneath her skin — calmer now, controlled. But power always came with consequences.
Her body still ached from the awakening.
Her heart ached more.
Kael wrapped his arms around her from behind, warm and grounding. “You didn’t just survive, Ivy. You changed everything.”
She leaned back into him, drawing strength from his embrace. “I don’t even know what I am anymore.”
He turned her to face him. “You are Ivy Flameborn. Alpha. Queen. My mate. That’s more than enough.”
Around them, the remaining warriors were gathering. Thorne limped toward her, bowing slightly — a warrior’s bow.
“You saved us,” he said. “We’re your
