The walk back to Bloodhowl didn’t take as long as I wanted it to. That was the problem. I needed time and space to shove my head clear, to find a reason not to follow, to take her hand and drag her the other way. Instead, every step carried us closer, and before I could even finish the thought of turning around, we were standing at the edge of the village. It was alive. Torches lined the clearing, a dozen fires burning bright. Wolves filled the space, laughter and voices rising, spilling over each other. It took me a second to understand. They weren’t afraid. They weren’t mourning. They were celebrating. For her. For Liora. For her return. Liora froze beside me, her lips parting like she couldn’t quite breathe it in. The Warriors clapped each other on the shoulders. Families pressed closer
