Morning came with golden light filtering through the cave entrance. Laura woke slowly, her body pleasantly sore from the night before. Dante was already gone, but the warmth of his furs wrapped around her like an embrace.
She dressed quickly and stepped outside. The camp was alive with activity—warriors training, pack members preparing food, children chasing each other between the dwellings. For a moment, Laura just watched, struck by how normal it all seemed.
After eating a quick breakfast, Laura decided to explore the territory. She needed time to think, to process everything that had happened since joining the Crimson Fang pack.
The forest welcomed her with dappled sunlight and the sweet scent of pine. Laura followed a narrow deer trail, enjoying the simple freedom of walking alone w
