The moon hung like a silver coin in the night sky as Markus finished packing his traveling bag. Around him, the settlement buzzed with activity—wolves preparing defenses, sharpening weapons, and stocking supplies. Tomorrow at dawn, they would split into two groups: one to track Juliet and find Dante's grandmother, the other to strengthen the boundary under Tina's leadership.
Markus slung his pack over his shoulder and stepped outside. The cool night air filled his lungs, calming his racing thoughts. His eyes drifted to a small fire on the edge of the settlement where a familiar figure sat alone.
Rosie.
Her golden hair shimmered in the firelight as she stared into the flames. Markus's heart skipped. For years, he'd kept his distance from her, fought his feelings, buried them deep beneath layers of duty and restraint.
But tonight might be his last chance.
"Mind if I join you?" he asked, approaching cautiously.
