Chapter 71

The morning air is cool, a soft breeze stirring the leaves on the trees surrounding the pack house. It’s one of those mornings that should feel peaceful, but the tension in the air is thick, palpable. The past few weeks have brought victory, but they’ve also brought something else—a growing sense of unease.

I stand at the edge of the training grounds, watching the pack members go through their morning drills. They’re sharper now, more focused. Battle has forged them into stronger fighters, more cohesive as a unit. But there’s something underneath that sharpness, something festering.

Not everyone’s here.

I notice the gaps in the lineups. Some faces are missing, faces that should’ve been here for weeks. At first, it was subtle. People had excuses: injuries, personal matters, exhaustion. But now, it’s become something I can’t ignore.

My dad approaches from behind, his usual steady presence heavier today. His steps are slower, weighed down with news I know I won’t like. I turn to face him