As I made my way toward the camp, the comforting aroma of food wafted through the air, drawing me to the makeshift kitchen area that had been established for the pack. The sounds of sizzling and laughter just beyond the fire pit created a stark contrast to the silence that surrounded me.
I approached the kitchen, my stomach grumbling as I grabbed a cold bottle of water and a plate filled with an assortment of carefully prepared dishes.
Despite the lively environment, no one from the pack dared to meet my gaze. As I scanned the area, my eyes caught sight of Layla’s parents standing slightly apart from the rest of the group. Their expressions were tight with worry and suspicion, their eyes boring into me. It was clear they believed I had a hand in landing their daughter in such dire circu
