The forest was deathly quiet, as if it, too, was holding its breath.Aveline stood in the shadows just beyond the pack’s main compound, every nerve on edge. The weight of her decision pressed down on her like a stone. The urgency of the escape buzzed in the back of her mind, urging her to move, but she forced herself to stay still, listening for any sign of danger. The moon was hidden behind a thick layer of clouds, providing just enough darkness to conceal her movement.This is the only way, she reminded herself, clenching her fists to steady the trembling in her fingers. You have to keep them safe.She heard the soft rustle of leaves, and Hazel emerged from the darkness, a small bundle of supplies clutched tightly in her hands. Her face was pale, eyes wide with worry as she approached Aveline.“I couldn’t find much,” Hazel whispered, thrusting the bundle into Aveline’s hands. “Some food, water, a few herbs… I tried to grab extra clothes, but—”“It’s enough,” Aveline interrupted soft
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