Ella's POV
The woods had always been a safe place for the young ones. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting golden streaks onto the soft earth as the children of the pack played, their laughter dancing through the trees. Among them was Darius, the small boy with wild hair, clever eyes, and a stubborn streak I had come to know all too well.
I had warned him earlier that morning.
"Don't wander," I had said, kneeling to his level with a stern brow. "Stay within the circle. Understand?"
He had grinned, cheeky as ever. "Yes, Luna Ella."
But he hadn't meant it. Darius never did when there was something interesting pulling him away.
I should've known Darius would wander.
The woods had been declared safe for the little ones today—a rare luxury after weeks of uncertainty. Sunlight fi
