The day dragged on interminably, each moment feeling like an eternity. I longed to escape the pack land, as Nicholas had suggested. Queen Luna seemed omnipresent, flitting about like a pesky fly, eavesdropping on every conversation. Her intentions were clear: gathering intel for her sinister plans.

That night, I confided in Olivia, "I'm leaving the pack land tomorrow morning."

Olivia's face lit up with a warm smile. "I'm happy for you," she said, her voice filled with relief.

But someone else's presence lingered, their gaze weighted with an unspoken longing. I sensed a pang of sadness, a silent plea to stay.

As I prepared for departure, Olivia handed me a...