The morning light broke over the horizon, painting the sky with soft pink and gold hues. The air was still, as if the world itself held its breath after the storm. The battlefield was quiet now, but the marks of the fight were everywhere—scorched earth, broken weapons, and the distant howls of those mourning their fallen. Cinder stood at the edge of the clearing, her heart heavy yet steady. She had won the battle, but the war for unity was far from over.
The packs gathered under the clearing sky, their gazes shifting between cautious and curious. Leaders from various factions formed a hesitant circle around Cinder, their postures stiff and wary. She could feel their mistrust, but she also sensed something else—hope.
"I didn't bring you all here to fight anymore," Cinder began, her voice strong but calm. "The enemy we defeated wanted us divided, and for too long, we let fear and old traditions keep us apart. But today, we have a chance to change that."