CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
The golden afternoon sun filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows over Finn and Vee as they walk side by side along the creek that borders our territory. I hang back, giving them space, but close enough to observe the way Finn's eyes soften when he looks at her. It's a sight that contradicts the fierce warrior reputation he carries with such ease.
"Hey, check this out!" Finn bends down, plucking a smooth stone from the water’s edge. He demonstrates his skill, sending it skipping across the surface, ripples expanding outward like the influence of his clan. Vee laughs, her strawberry blonde hair catching the light, and tries to mimic the action. The rock plops into the creek after a single hop, but her attempt seems to charm him more than any perfect skip coul
