Chapter 40: The Calm Before the Storm

Chapter 40: The Calm Before the Storm

The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the forest as the pack embraced a fleeting moment of peace. The warriors, usually so focused and fierce, were softer now, their faces reflecting the weight of what was to come. They spent time with their families, sharing quiet conversations, lingering touches, and the kind of smiles that held both hope and sorrow. It was a rare tranquility, like the stillness that precedes a storm.

Hana walked through the camp, observing the bittersweet scenes. Her heart ached for them, for what they had to lose, and for what she had become a part of. She spotted a young pup, barely old enough to shift, clinging to his mother’s leg, his eyes wide with fear and confusion. The mother met Hana’s gaze, and there was a silent understanding between them—a plea for protection, for survival.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with streaks of orange and purple, Hana found herself drawn to the e