The scent of damp earth and pine filled the cool night air as I stood on the balcony of the Alpha’s quarters, overlooking the heart of Bloodmoon’s territory. Below, the pack moved with a quiet sense of purpose—warriors patrolling, healers tending to the wounded, and families slowly rebuilding what had been lost. Days had passed since Aikan and Noah had knelt before Kane and sworn their loyalty, yet unease still lingered in the air.
I tightened my grip on the stone railing, my thoughts tangled like the shadows stretching across the clearing below.
We had won the battle, but peace was a fragile thing.
Behind me, Kane stirred, his warmth at my back a steady presence. “You’re thinking too loud,” he murmured, his voice thick with exhaustion.
I exhaled a soft laugh but didn’t turn around. “Y
