KEILAH

Morning light filtered through the curtains, warming my skin as I slowly woke up, feeling much better than the night before. The weight that had pressed on my chest seemed to have lifted slightly, though it hadn't entirely disappeared. I reached out, expecting to find Ralph beside me, but my hand touched only cool sheets. He wasn’t there.

I sighed, knowing he must already be up, preparing for the day. This day was crucial, not just for him but for the entire pack. I could feel the significance of it pulsing through the walls of the house.

I pushed the covers off and headed straight to the bathroom. As...