Dawn broke over Haven like a blessing.
Sasha sat on the steps of the main hall, watching the sun rise. She was covered in blood—some hers, some enemies', some friends'. Her body ached in places she didn't know could ache. Her magic was barely a whisper. Her wolf was exhausted, curled somewhere deep inside her, sleeping.
But she was alive.
They were alive.
Maya appeared beside her, moving slowly, favoring her left arm. A deep gash ran from her shoulder to her elbow, already healing but still raw. She sat down heavily, wincing.
"You look like hell," Sasha said.
"You look like you fought an ancient vampire king and won." Maya grinned weakly. "So, same thing."
They laughed. It hurt. They kept laughing anyway.
Rhys found them next, limping, a bandage wrapped around his ribs. He lowered
