The silence broke as the wolves began to shift one by one. Mira’s breath hitched when she recognized the faces appearing before her.
“Kaelan’s guards,” she murmured, relief washing over her.
The largest wolf completed his shift, revealing himself as Commander Rylan, Kaelan’s trusted soldier. He approached Mira, his expression stoic but his eyes softening when they met hers.
“Mira,” Rylan said, his voice firm. “We’ve been looking for you.”
The tension in Mira’s shoulders eased slightly, but her gaze flicked to Liana, who stood frozen beside her. Rylan’s eyes followed hers, and his expression hardened.
“Seize her,” he commanded.
The guards moved swiftly, grabbing Liana’s arms before she could react. She struggled against their hold, her protests falling on deaf ears.
“Wait!” Mira called, stepping forward. “Don’t hurt her.”
Rylan hesitated, glancing at Mira. “She’s a traitor,” he said bluntly.
“I know,” Mira replied, her voice steady. “But she’s still my sister. Please, just... take us back to Kaelan.”
Rylan studied her for a moment before nodding. He gestured for the guards to secure Liana but not harm her. Turning back to Mira, he extended a hand. “Let’s get you home.”
The journey back to the Pack was somber. Mira leaned on one of the guards for support, her body weak but her mind racing. She didn’t know what awaited her when they arrived, but she knew one thing—she couldn’t run from it anymore.
When they finally reached the Pack grounds, the air buzzed with anticipation. Word had spread of their return, and a crowd had gathered.
Mira’s eyes locked onto Kaelan the moment she saw him. He stood at the center of the crowd, his expression unreadable. But as she approached, his face softened, and before she could process what was happening, he was running toward her.
“Mira,” he breathed, pulling her into a fierce embrace.
Mira froze for a moment, the warmth of his touch both comforting and overwhelming. Slowly, she let herself relax against him, her heart pounding in her chest.
The crowd murmured around them, but Mira couldn’t hear their words. All that mattered was the man holding her, the bond between them sparking to life once more.
Kaelan pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, his gaze filled with a mixture of relief and regret. “You’re safe,” he said softly.