Chapter 26

  As we pulled away from the embrace, I felt the weight of our previous argument still hanging in the air. I see that a cautious acceptance was slowly replacing my mother's worry, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something more sinister was lurking beyond our immediate concerns.

   We gathered the rest of the pack for an emergency meeting, each member looking apprehensive. The day's events had spread like wildfire, and now everyone was on edge. I stood before them, clearing my throat to capture their attention.

   “I know today was a close call,” I began, my voice steady despite the adrenaline rush still coursing through me. “But we are stronger than we realise. The rogues won’t just back off easily. They will come again, and when they do, we need to be prepared.”

   Ryder stepped forward, his eyes flashing with intensity. “I suggest we step up patrols immediately. We’ve already started gathering everyone for