Chapter 19 Ashes Of Duty

• BRIANA
• Looking down at the clipboard in my hands, I let out a heavy sigh and close my eyes for a moment. It has only been two hours since we agreed to stay and help Silver Paw, but already I can feel the weight of their losses pressing down on me. The destruction left behind by the attack is everywhere, and it feels as if sorrow itself hangs in the air.
• Linda Bruce, calm but firm, had quickly gathered those still strong enough to work. With Milan’s help, she asked for a full report—damage to the grounds, the number of wounded, and the names of the fallen. At first, the pack met us with suspicion. Grief had sharpened into mistrust, and I could see anger in their eyes. But Milan stood up for us. He reminded them that Alpha Liam had invited us here, that we were not intruders but allies. That seemed to ease some of the tension, though the pain was still carved into every face.