Elara had finally learned the crucial Pack lesson:never wait for promises that will never be secured.Five years of this false claim.She would treat it as nothing more than a fevered,brief dream.And now,after emerging from that dream,it was time to pack her strength and move into the unclaimed wilderness.
The city lights—the distant,human lights beyond the Pack border—flickered outside,just like the hope she had desperately clung to for the past five years,always igniting,only to be extinguished again and again.Now,she had finally accepted the darkness.There was no utility in chasing a light that would never illuminate her territory.
It was deep in the dark cycle when Ryder wrapped his powerful arms around Elara from behind,his warm breath carrying the scent of rich forest mead as it brushed against her ear.“Mate,I want to escort you to your Clan Territory to see your father in a few cycles,is that acceptable?”
Elara stiffened at the unexpected touch,confusion clouding her expression.“Why the sudden urge to visit the Vance Clan Den,Ryder?”