Claire's POV
Six years.
That’s how long it’s been since I clawed my way out of Silver Crescent, when I bled into the mud and fell into Ivan’s territory.
Luckily, my wolf is half cured through my years of effort, and I’m still standing and fighting.
The wind bites across the cliffs as I lead my squad of warriors back through the pass. Our boots are stained with rogue blood and ash. The scent of smoke clings to us. We won, barely. Another wave of invaders pushed back.
"Claire," one of the younger guards calls from behind me, her voice bright with respect and adrenaline. That still catches me off guard sometimes. The way they look at me now, like I am someone to behold.
But I’m not. Not really.
I nod to the girl. "Good work today. We kept the border intact. That’s what matters."
The g
