Ava stood in the shadowy clearing, her arms crossed tightly over her chest as she waited. The tension in the air mirrored the storm inside her. She had spent the past week agonizing over the revelations, questioning everything she thought she knew. Now, her uncle had finally agreed to meet her.
The crunch of leaves underfoot made her turn. Emerging from the darkness was her uncle, Elder Garret, his grizzled features set in a neutral expression. He had always been a figure of authority in Blackthorn, but now, Ava saw him with new eyes.
“Niece,” Garret greeted, his voice smooth but guarded. “This must be important for you to call me here so close to the attack.”
Ava stepped forward, her tone sharp. “It is. I need the truth, Uncle. About the attack on this pack years ago. The one that dest
