Chapter 13: The Choice of Forever

The storm had washed the world clean. The scent of rain on pine and damp earth filled the air, a stark contrast to the metallic tang of blood that had hung over the Stone Circle. Marcus, broken and defeated, had been taken away by his pack, who now swore allegiance to Kaden. The war was over. The curse was truly broken. We returned to the Pack House not as victors in a triumphant parade, but in a quiet, solemn procession. The energy was not of celebration, but of profound relief and exhaustion....