Chapter 19 Fires Of Loyalty

• The twilight settled softly over the pack’s camp, the sky painted in streaks of deep purple and burnt orange as the sun dipped beneath the horizon. Flickering flames from the central fire pit cast dancing shadows on the weathered faces of those gathered, illuminating a circle of warriors, elders, and young ones alike. Tonight was a night for the pack to come together—not just as hunters and fighters but as a family bound by blood, loyalty, and ancient magic.
• Ivy sat near the fire, the heat warming her chilled skin, but her thoughts churned like a restless storm. The vision in the Sacred Grove, the echo of the ancient betrayal that threatened to unravel their world—it weighed heavily on her. Yet beneath that weight was a fierce spark of hope, fueled by the stories, memories, and unwavering loyalty she saw reflected in the eyes around her.
• Kael came quietly to her side, settling close enough for their shoulders to touch. His presence was a steady anchor in the swirling chaos of her mind. He met her gaze, his dark eyes shimmering in the firelight. “They’re scared,” he said softly. “But they need this — the stories, the connection.”