Chapter 92

I couldn't shake the heaviness that settled over me as the morning sun crept over the horizon. The night before had been a victory—no, a triumph—but something still gnawed at me. As I stood by the window of my cabin, looking out over the quiet, peaceful clearing, the events of the past weeks played over in my mind like a broken record. We had sealed away the ancient entity, we had secured our pack's future, and yet... 

The silence was shattered by a knock on the door. I turned, expecting Aimee, but instead, it was Emily. Her expression was strained, her eyes pleading. 

"James," she said, her voice trembling. "Can we talk?"

I stiffened, every muscle in my body tensing at the sound of her voice. For days now, something had been off with Emily. She'd been distant, secretive, and I had a growing suspicion that something was terribly wrong. Still, I tried to keep my tone steady. 

"Come in," I said, stepping aside to let her in.