der the moonlight, now bore the scars of conflict. Bloodstained earth mingled with broken branches, and the acrid smel

carrying their bodies with reverence to the edge of the territory for a proper farewell. Othe

ight of his decisions pressing down on him. They

as

deep gash but his expression firm. The beta's presence was comma

couts confirmed they've scattered beyond the wes

he news brought little

n, Shelby..." His voice caught, the weight of their names heavy

ubbling to the surface. "This happe

s was a tyrant. You came back when we needed you most, and you fought

sure he could fully absolve himself, but

he edge of the clearing, its flames crackling as the bodies were laid to rest. Wo

espite the emotion beneath it. "They gave their lives for this pack, for the family we've

ed at his sides. He could feel Emma's presence beside

us, his voice carrying the sorrow and strength of the pack. One by one, othe

ny, his howl echoing with grief and determination. This was

tify their defenses, repair their homes, and tend to their wounded. Jason threw him

was human, she had proven herself in the battle, earni

said one afternoon as Emma helped hi

'm a quick learner. Besides, I'm not about t

gh his usually stoic demeanor. "You're tough

was working nearby. Her smile

h the surface. Not everyone in the pack had forgiven Jason for

below the horizon, Marcus app

said, his tone leavin

in silence for a time, the only sound

us said finally, his gaze fixed

tion catching him off g

e pack needs a leader they can trust. Someone who's here

was safe, taking Emma far from the chaos and danger. But now, stan

d firmly. "This is my ho

ore nodding. "Good. Because they ne

th rare moments of quiet. One evening, they sat together on t

, her fingers laced with his. "Do yo

horizon. "For now. But there's alw

e. "Do you ever think about leaving? Just... d

ion gentle. "I used to. But not

g with pride. "Then I'm right

them sooner

wind of Magnus' defeat and was moving in on their territory. The pack, still r

cus said during a mee

rth-Led by an alpha named Callan. He's

pack hasn't been on good

tted. "But we've got no

ned on his arm. "I

timately nodded. He kn

nd treacherous. Jason and Emma moved quickly

ves were larger and more imposing than Jason's pack, their go

s a towering figure with silver-streaked fur and a v

preamble. "Our pack is vulnerable. If

ve got guts coming here, asking for help after everything t

Callan listened intently. When he

," Callan said. "But don

elief was palpable. With their new allies, they began preparing for th

felt a spark of hope. Together, t

, he couldn't shake the feeling that t