The celebration of the Great Council should have been the happiest night of my life. I stood on the balcony of our new home, holding Leo against my chest. The silver glow from his skin felt like a warm heartbeat. Below us, the fires of a dozen packs burned together. For the first time, we were one."He’s finally asleep," Rowan whispered, stepping up behind me. He wrapped his arms around my waist, his chin resting on my shoulder. "You did it, Lyra. You gave him a world without a cage."I leaned back into him, letting out a breath I felt like I had been holding for years. "I just hope it stays this way. Julian is gone, and the Council is broken. What else is there to fear?"Rowan didn't answer right away. He tightened his grip, his eyes scanning the dark tree line at the edge of the Vale. "We destroyed the machines, Lyra. But power like that doesn't just vanish. Someone always wants to pick up the pieces."Suddenly, a sharp, piercing whistle cut through the air. It wasn't a bird, and it
Read more