Chapter 47: Victor's Charm Spotlight
The attack came at twilight, when the sky bled from gold to deep purple and the first stars blinked awake. I was in the sacred grove alone, needing the quiet after days of endless planning and fear. The pack had scattered to strengthen the borders, Victor leading a patrol to the north where vampire scouts had been sighted. I told him I would be safe, that the grove's ancient wards would protect me, that I just needed a moment to breathe. He kissed me hard before leaving, his gold eyes full of worry and love, his hand lingering on my belly where our daughter grew stronger every day.
I knelt by the small stream that ran through the grove, my fingers trailing in the icy water, watching ripples spread like the fears that spread through my heart. Tears fel
