Chapter 186. Morvan

Xerina’s POV

The morning light bathed the battlefield in a soft, golden glow, a stark contrast to the chaos that had torn through this place mere hours ago. Valeria was gone, her darkness vanquished, her hold over Rasmus shattered. But the echoes of her presence still lingered, like a shadow at the edge of my vision, haunting and unforgettable.

The pack moved through the ruins, tending to their wounded, their movements slow and heavy with exhaustion. There was relief in their eyes, but it was tempered by the knowledge that this victory had come at a cost. Friends and allies lay fallen, their sacrifices etched into the earth. The scent of blood and smoke still clung to the air, a reminder of the battle that had nearly destroyed us.

Rasmus stood beside me, his face drawn and tired, yet there was a quiet determination in his gaze. He reached for my hand, threading his fingers through mine, and I felt the steady beat of his heart, grounding me. For a moment, we