As night began to fall, Aria dressed for the evening gathering, her mind still churning with plans and contingencies. She knew that she needed to remain vigilant, to keep her emotions in check as she navigated the treacherous waters of her father’s world.
When she finally stepped out into the cool night air and made her way to the central grounds, Aria felt a familiar sense of dread settle over her. The gathering was already in full swing, with members of Crescent Park milling about, talking in hushed tones. The atmosphere was tense, a reflection of the uncertainty that had gripped the pack in recent weeks.
Aria spotted her father standing at the center of the gathering, his presence commanding as always. Jerome Perkins was a man who thrived on control, and Aria could see that the growin
