Chapter 49

The late afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the pack’s gathering hall. The air buzzed with energy as pack members filled the space, their voices mingling in a low hum of conversation. It was a rare day of celebration: a day to honor the pack’s achievements and strengthen bonds within the community. The pack’s gathering hall buzzed with energy, the sound of conversation weaving through the room like a constant hum. Candles flickered along the walls, their golden glow softening the rugged edges of the wooden beams above. Althea moved through the crowd carefully, feeling the weight of the pack’s eyes on her with every step she took. She tried not to let it get to her, though a part of her couldn’t ignore the whispers. “That’s her?” “She does look different…” “She’s improved, but still…” The comments lingered just on the edge of her hearing, deliberate enough that she couldn’t pretend not to notice, but quiet enough that no one seemed to care if she did. It