The village was in disarray, its people reeling from the dual shock of Viktor’s attack and Aiden’s betrayal. Elara and Damien, though exhausted, knew they had no time to waste. The wounds of the battle were fresh, and the morale of their pack was at its lowest. They needed to rebuild, not just their homes, but the trust that had been shattered.

As dawn broke, casting a soft light over the devastated village, Elara and Damien gathered the pack in the main square. Elara stood before them, her presence commanding despite the fatigue etched on her face.

“We have been betrayed,” she began, her voice strong and unwavering. “But we...