Chapter 55

The day passed in a blur, but Osric’s words lingered, echoing in my mind as I moved through my duties, feeling lighter somehow, as though a part of the burden had been lifted. When evening fell, I knew what I had to do.

I found Dante near the training grounds, speaking with a few of the younger wolves who seemed to hang on his every word. I waited until they’d left before approaching, my footsteps soft but deliberate.

“Dante,” I said, my voice firm yet free of the usual tension that accompanied our exchanges.

He looked up, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he nodded, his expression guarded.

“Elara.”

I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully.

“I’ve been… reluctant to lean on you. Maybe because of our past, or maybe because I was afraid of what the pack would think. But Osric’s right. If we’re going to protect Talon Pack, I need to trust you. And I need you to be more than just an observer here.”