{"Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet."}
It took five hours to round up everyone and extract the vampire bloodstone bugs from the compromised members of the Bay Shifter Pack. Spark, Wave, General Tiger, and Commander Flora worked tirelessly, ensuring no one was left behind. By the time we were done, dusk had settled, and we departed from the training ground, each heading home for a much-needed shower before regrouping at the Royal Garden later in the evening.
Exhaustion weighed on me, my beast restless and fatigued. After two hours, I left my home and went to the Royal Garden, where I found Commander Flora pacing by the barrier. A small smile tugged at my lips; her commitment was admirable. As I approached, she sensed my presence and turned, baring her neck in greeting.
"Alpha, you are finally here," she said, her voice steady.