Chapter 66

We stood in silence, the clearing around us bathed in the soft glow of twilight, a rare peace settling over us. For a brief, stolen moment, it was as if nothing else existed—no looming war, no divided pack, no lingering mistrust. Just us, and the quiet understanding that even in our confusion, we had found something steady in each other.

As darkness began to settle, I reluctantly pulled away, grounding myself once more in the reality of what lay ahead.

“I should go,” I said, my voice tinged with regret.

“The pack will need me in the morning. And I still have much to prepare.”

Dante nodded, though his gaze lingered on me, as if reluctant to break the moment.

“I understand. But know this, Elara—whatever lies ahead, I’m here. I’ll stand beside you, no matter what.”

The weight of his promise settled over me, filling the empty spaces left by my own doubts. I nodded, offering him a small, grateful smile.