The valley no longer felt safe.
Lena stood near the firepit, watching wolves prepare in tense silence. Weapons were sharpened, patrols doubled, and conversations stayed low and urgent.
Everything had changed.
Kael approached, his presence grounding despite the tension surrounding them. "You're not alone in this," he said quietly.
Lena shook her head. "I brought this here."
"No," he corrected firmly. "They were always coming. You just gave us a chance to fight back."
She looked at her hands, remembering the surge of power.
"I don't even understand what I am."
Kael exhaled slowly. "Then we figure it out together."
Across the clearing, Eira watched them, her expression thoughtful.
"The prophecy is moving faster than expected," she said as she joined them.
Lena frowned. "Then tell me what it actually means."
Eira's gaze held hers. "It means your power will either save this valley… or destroy it."
The words settled heavily.
A distant howl echoed through the trees.
Not from the pack.
Something else.
Lena lifted her head slowly.
"They're not done," she whispered.