The scent of roasted meat and herbs lingered in the air as I leaned back in my chair, my body stiff from the tension of the day. The atmosphere in the dining hall was calm, yet beneath the surface, I could feel the heavy weight of everything that loomed over us. Eldric sat at the head of the table, his usual cold demeanor softened, as though the firelight had brought him a rare peace. Happing, ever vigilant, observed the room, his sharp gaze flicking to me from time to time.
The food was delicious, a brief reprieve from the chaos that was my life, but I couldn't fully relax. Too much was at stake. Every movement, every breath felt like it mattered now more than ever. I glanced around the table, looking at my pack members, the ones who would stand by me no matter the cost. But no matter ho
