(Elijah) I leaned against the massive trunk of an ancient oak tree, its gnarled bark a testament to the years it had withstood the violent storms of the night and the gentle caresses of the wind. The sun hung low on the horizon, casting a golden hue over the clearing where my pack gathered. Their lives formed a vibrant tapestry of loyalty, strength, and tradition, and today, their energy swirled around us like the wind itself, carrying with it the aroma of damp earth and impending dusk. But it was not the lively interaction among my pack members that had captured my attention. No, it was Yadieliz, my mate, the mother of my child, and queen, my heart and my soul. She stood in the center of the training ground, a radiant embodiment of ferocity and grace. As I watched her, I could not help