Aftermath

Arielle’s POV:

It was not like a hero’s welcome.

All of us were silent as we made our way back into the pack compound.

The mission had been swiftly completed, and now, we were all to return quietly. Richard had made it clear to myself and to Darren yesterday that he did not want anyone in the pack to find out about the upcoming battle with the Rogues, citing that he did not want to cause panic among our pack members.

Therefore, even now, though we were worn and feeling bedraggled, all of us kept a stoic expression as we walked down to Richard’s home.

Unlike the expression outwardly that was placed on my face, there were no words to describe the tempest of emotions inside of me. In my mind I was still replaying the moments of the battle. I had been pulled away from the clearing by the warrior who apparently had been tasked with keeping me safe and away from the place that was to become the battle arena.

Hidden behind a tree trunk, I could hear growls and screams of pain. It was enough