Ara’s POV
The camp bustled softly with preparation. Warriors packed weapons, folded tents, and whispered about the journey back to Arkendale. But for me, everything felt like it was moving too fast.
Because in my heart, I knew—I wasn’t coming back.
I walked toward a shaded spot near the edge of the clearing, where Kade sat leaning against a tree trunk, his injuries still healing. He smiled when he saw me.
As I walked closer, my chest tightened. How do you say goodbye… when your time is running out, and your truth is too heavy to speak?
“Leaving already?” he asked.
I nodded, trying to force a smile. “Yes. Damon’s orders.”
He chuckled weakly. “He was always a bit of a control freak.”
"Suits himself! Afterall, he might be the next Lycan King," I knelt beside him, brushing a strand of
