Chapter 7: Moonlit Market
(Aspen’s POV)
The hum of the engine as Ethan drove us closer to the outskirts of Wintercrest Pack territory was a low, steady rhythm beneath the chaotic thoughts in my mind.
The weight of the ceremonial robes from earlier had been replaced by lighter clothes: a plain, worn hoodie and jeans that blended well with the anonymity of rough terrain.
Ethan had insisted I “dress down” to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
I stared out the window, the passing trees blurred together under the moonlight.
From the faint hum at the edge of my consciousness, I could sense the encrypted pack bond buzzing faintly, my Shadow Warriors alerting me to movements at the border. Nothing urgent, not yet.
“You’re quiet,” Ethan said, his tone cheerful as always, though his
