Chapter 22

The walk back to their camp was somber. Henry carried Elizabeth's body with a mixture of reverence and sorrow, while Selene and Sia stayed close, their faces etched with grief. The witch followed silently, her presence a reminder of the power they had harnessed, but also of the price they had paid.

As they reached the edge of their camp, the barrier shimmered briefly, acknowledging their return. Inside, the pack members who had stayed behind rushed to meet them, their expressions shifting from relief to sorrow as they saw Elizabeth's lifeless form.

Henry laid Elizabeth gently on the ground, his hands lingering on her, as if reluctant to let go. "We will hold a ceremony to honor her," he said, his voice steady but laced with pain. "She deserves that and more."

Selene knelt beside her mother, her hand resting on Elizabeth's still-warm skin. "I'm so sorry, Mom. I wish I could have saved you."

Sia placed a comforting hand on Selene's shoulder. "You did everything you could, Selene. Elizab