Chapter 197 A Bright Future

• ~ Thorne ~
• Weeks had passed since the battle, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, the packlands were quiet. Peace had finally settled across the territories, but it was a fragile peace, one built on the scars of war and the memories of loss. I could still feel the ache in my side from where Cassandra had nearly taken my life, but my physical wounds were healing—thanks to Claire’s herbs and Elara’s care.
• I sat up in bed, staring out the window of the healing house. The sky was clear, a pale blue that seemed to stretch endlessly over the horizon. The world outside appeared calm, but inside, my thoughts still spun with everything we had been through. The darkness, the battles, the fear of losing Elara—it all haunted me, replaying in my mind like a nightmare that refused to fade.