The candlelight flickered against the walls of Kane’s study, casting long, wavering shadows across the room. The map of our territory lay sprawled across the desk, covered in markings and annotations from the day’s strategy sessions. I had spent hours analyzing every possible route the rogues might take, every weak point we needed to strengthen.
And still, it wasn’t enough.
I rubbed my temples, exhaustion pressing against the back of my skull, but I couldn’t stop. I wouldn’t stop. Not when our pack’s survival depended on it.
A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts.
“Come in,” I called, expecting Kane.
Instead, Leila stepped inside, her expression a mixture of warmth and concern. She carried a tray with a steaming cup of tea, setting it down on the edge of the desk.
“You n
