The sun had barely risen above the trees of Valeblood, casting a soft golden hue across the bloodstained grounds. The aftermath of the attack still hung in the air—metallic, tense, heavy with loss and determination.

All around the pack’s infirmary, wounded warriors lay on cots, wrapped in bandages, with the pack healers tending to them tirelessly. The scent of herbs mixed with the faint aroma of blood. Moans of pain were softened by words of comfort and loyalty.

Inside one of the healing chambers, *Talia* sat upright on her bed, her hand protectively cradling her stomach. Her eyes were wide with worry, scanning every face that passed through the doorway....