The day was fully bright when the wolves began to leave the valley.
Simple wooden carts, emergency stretchers, and lines of still-wounded soldiers moved slowly toward the forest surrounding the area. No more war cries, no more clashes of claws and swords.
All that could be heard were footsteps… and the sounds of nature slowly coming back to life.
But for Aurelia, that peace felt fragile.
She stood in front of the guard tent where Kael was held, staring at the clear blue sky without a single cloud.
Kael's final words still echoed in her mind.
The Shadow Kings.
The name felt like a whisper from a far darker world.
Footsteps sounded behind her.
Lucien approached with his usual serious expression.
"The Alphas have returned to their respective packs," he said.
Aurelia turned slightly.
"Including Torvald?"
Lucien nodded.
"Frostfang left an hour ago."
He stopped beside Aurelia.
"But before he went, Torvald left a message."
Aurelia raised an eyebrow.
"What did he say?"
