Chapter24:

Chapter 24 As we got closer to the edge of Clearwater territory, the smell of smoke and blood became stronger. My stomach felt uneasy, filled with a mix of worry and fear. This place, which used to be my home, now felt strange and dangerous. Xander lifted his hand, telling our group to stop. We stood at the edge of the woods, looking at the messy scene in front of us. The main village of the Clearwater Pack was in a state of chaos, with clear signs of a recent attack. There were damaged buildings, hurt wolves, and a strong feeling of fear in the air. Looking around, I saw the places I knew so well. Memories flooded in. The tree where I'd hide from bullies. The stream that took my tears away. The corners where I felt unseen and unwanted. My hands began to tremble, so I made tight fists to steady them. Xander's sharp eyes noticed my discomfort. He gently pulled me aside, creating a moment of privacy amidst our vigilant pack. “Aurora,” he said softly, his eyes filled with concern. “Talk t