Chapter 36 – Soft Morning, Strong Bond

The Blood Moon Pack was wrapped in a rare kind of silence that morning. Not the silence of danger, not the silence of fear—but the gentle stillness that only comes when a place finally knows it is safe.

Mist curled low between the trees, soft and silver under the rising sun. The scent of pine mixed with warm earth and fading night fire, settling over the clearing like a calm breath held and finally released.

Julia stood at the edge of the training grounds, one hand resting lightly over her bell