Chapter 82

The calm.

Elara’s POV

The pack was quiet at last, the sounds of the battle faded into ragged breaths and shifting bodies. The dawn light spilt over the clearing as our wolves shifted back into their human form, exhausted and naked, but alive.

As the sun’s first rays touched my skin, a wave of exhaustion, so deep it felt like it could swallow me whole, washed over me. The adrenaline that had coursed through my veins during my fight with Magnus finally ebbed away, leaving behind a bone-deep weariness that demanded release.

A soft groan to my right drew my attention. I turned and saw Saffron. Her tangled hair and dirt-smudged skin made the sluggish cut on her temple stand out all the more. Her eyes went wide with relief and exhaustion as they met mine.

A moment later, Tobias moved to her side. He said nothing and simply wrapped his arms around her and buried her head in the crook of his neck. Saffron leaned into him, her body sagging against him, re