Every shadow seemed to twist and shift, as if waiting for a signal, a movement, or perhaps for my failure. I could feel the weight of the day pressing down on me, heavy and unrelenting, but I could not rest.
I knew I had to act, to move, to plan, and yet, I was still recovering from the wounds the beast had inflicted.
My body screamed at me to stop, to breathe, to simply allow myself to collapse into exhaustion, but my mind would not allow it. Zach’s safety, my pack, my very life and I could not let it slip through my fingers.
I turned my gaze toward Aisha, my most loyal maid and protector, who had stood unwaveringly by my side through everything. Her eyes, wide and determined, reflected my own inner turmoil, the same storm of resolve and fear.
“Aisha,” I said, my voice firm despite
