Chapter 44

Rebuilding Trust, Reclaiming Strength

They might had emerged victorious against Richard and his allies, the wounds—both physical and emotional—ran deep.

Eric stood before the council, his face a mask of resolve but his heart heavy. The war room was quieter than usual, the weight of their recent experiences leaving an invisible shadow over everyone present.

Aria sat beside him, her arm wrapped in a bandage from a gash she'd received during the fight. Jason leaned against the wall, his face bruised but defiant. The rest of the council looked equally worn, yet their eyes burned with determination.

"This battle was only the beginning," Eric said, breaking the silence. "We may have defeated Richard and his forces, but the fractures in our pack, the vulnerabilities they exploited, remain. If we don't address them, another threat will rise, and next time, we may not be as fortunate."

A Pack on Edge