Chapter Thirty-Three: Ashes and Dawn
The mines fell silent.
Rina knelt beside the rescued wolves, her flames gently healing wounds, soothing pain.
Kael stood watch, eyes scanning the shadows, ever vigilant.
The pack gathered around, their breaths heavy but hearts steady.
"You led us through the darkness," Kael said quietly, stepping beside Rina.
She looked up, fire soft in her gaze. "We all did. Together."
Outside, the first light of dawn broke through the trees, painting the world in gold and hope.
The war was far from over, but for the first time, Blackridge stood united — stronger, fiercer, and bound by more than just survival.
Rina and Kael's hands found each other, fingers entwined — a promise whispered between heartbeats.
"Together," she said.
"Together," he echoed.
And as the sun rose over the ridge, the flames of a new era began to burn.