Sera's POV
Weeks passed.
The den slowly returned to something resembling normal life. Warriors trained in the mornings, their movements sharp and purposeful. Cubs played in the afternoons, their laughter echoing through the tunnels—a sound that had been missing since the battle. Wolves and vampires continued to live side by side, their alliance strengthened by shared sacrifice and shared grief. Lady Elara's forces remained, helping with rebuilding, patrolling the borders, standing guard against any remaining threats.
But Caelan's absence was a wound that refused to heal.
Everywhere I looked, I saw reminders of him. The rock by the river where we'd sat and skipped stones. The corner of the great hall where he'd always stood during meetings, quiet and watchful. The training grounds where
