#Chapter 75: New Beginnings

Elara The sunlight hit harder than I expected, even though it had only been hours since I’d been trapped in that cavern. I squinted against the sudden golden rays of the morning sun, blinking rapidly as my eyes adjusted. But the others—the moonwolves—weren’t as fortunate. They stumbled as they emerged, lifting their trembling hands to shield their pale eyes. Some flinched as if the light physically hurt them, and for a brief moment, I saw the hesitation ripple through the group. The world outside the cavern was foreign. Dangerous. They hadn’t seen the sun in years—maybe even longer. Alaric’s weight pressed into my side as he leaned heavily against me, his arm draped around my shoulders for support. His breath fanned softly over my temple, and even though his steps were steadier now, I still held onto him for fear that he might collapse at any second. Thankfully, the paralytic poison’s effects were relatively short-lived. Although Alaric’s limbs were still heav