Part One – Dustin & Crystal
Morning came softly to Bloodstone.
The light that spilled through the forest canopy was warm and forgiving, touching the dew on the grass until it shimmered like fallen stars. The scent of pine and damp earth wrapped around the pack lands, and for the first time in what felt like years, peace truly settled.
Crystal stirred against Dustin’s chest, her breath steady, her hand curled loosely over the faint mark where her teeth had sunk into him. His mark mirrored hers on her neck, a faint golden glow still clinging to the edges. Their bond pulsed gently beneath their skin — quiet, complete, alive.
For a while, neither moved. Dustin watched the dust motes drift lazily through the sunlight, listening to the subtle rhythm of her breathing and the distant hum of th
