The forest did not move for a long time after Kael left. Even after the last trace of the Blackthorn wolves disappeared between the trees, no one spoke.
The silence felt different now. Not empty but heavy. Like something had shifted in a way that couldn't be undone.
Behind me, Rowan's pack remained still. Watching. Thinking. Waiting.
I exhaled slowly, only then realizing I had been holding my breath.
My chest still felt tight. Not from fear from something else. Something more complicated.
"You handled that well."
Rowan's voice broke the silence.
I let out a quiet breath.
"I don't feel like I did."
"You didn't fold."
"That's your definition of success?"
"For situations like that?" Rowan replied calmly.
"Yes."
I glanced toward the forest where Kael had disappeared.
"He came himself."
"Yes."
"That means something."
"It does."
I crossed my arms.
"And you're not worried?"
Rowan looked at me.
"I didn't say that."
