Three days after leaving the mountain, the celebrations ended.The first sign was small.Almost invisible.Ryden collapsed during training.One moment he was sparring.The next, he was on his knees, gasping for breath.At first everyone assumed exhaustion.The battle inside the First Path had pushed them all beyond their limits.No one worried.Then it happened again.And again.And again.Not just Ryden.Warriors from Blackwood.Warriors from Nightfall.Even some of the healers.Anyone who had entered the First Path without permission.Without being chosen.Without carrying the ancient mark required by the Path.They were all becoming sick.Fast.Althea arrived at the infirmary just as another wolf collapsed.The room was packed.Beds filled every corner.Healers moved frantically between patients.Evelyn looked exhausted.Lucien stood near a window.His expression grim.The moment Althea entered, everyone looked toward her.Because she had become the person people looked to for answ
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