Chapter 26: Ashes of the Past, Fires of the Future

The Sunfire Pendant, warm against Emilia's skin, felt like a key sliding into a long-locked door. It did more than just comfort her; it stirred memories, sharpening details that had once seemed insignificant. The day she had lost it, years ago, had been at a pack gathering hosted by the Shadow Claws, not long before Wesley had officially chosen Sarah as his intended Luna. A cold clarity settled over her. She called Leo and Wesley to her study. "The pendant was stolen," she stated, her voice devoid of emotion. She held the amber stone up, catching the light. "I remember now. Sarah 'accidentally' spilled wine on me that day. There was a commotion, her hands were all over my neck, apologizing profusely... It was gone by the end of the evening. I thought I had simply lost it in the woods." The implication hung in the air, heavy and toxic. Wesley’s face drained of all color. The pieces of his past, once a blur of regret, now snapped togeth