ective manner, the camp was a hive of activity. She couldn't blame them when she observed that the majority of them appeared to be avoiding

sks, such as getting water and cleaning the common spaces, but all she got in return was a kind nod and minimal genuine conversation. Jane could

shadows began to fall over the camp. The calmness of the forest stood in sharp contrast to the chaos she exp

ey

her face more at ease than before. She had a lit

ed, "I thought you might be hungry."

me dried meat and a few pieces of bread. Though it wasn't much, she w

kindness for the first time. "I understand that being new and all is not

cult, it was rewarding. I'm making an effort to adjust to

er. We respect loyalty and strength, and we don't think much of people who can't carry the

n future, Jane swallowed. I wish to est

a great deal of history. Resentments and unresolved matters. It's preferabl

r reading the cryptic warning

. It is not for me to say. Simply put, stay o

d slightly and got up. "I have to return to m

ould a historical account be so perilous that Claire was unabl

ad descended upon her earlier came again, more intense than before. In order for her to survi

bout the dynamics of the pack and to have a better understanding of her new surroundings. She saw as she strolled aro

moved towards the edge of the camp to a tiny, poorly lit area where a few of the wolves were congregate

f the wolves asked, "Did y

re audacious. They now do more than merely try to penetra

iously, the seriousness of the situation was beginning to sink in. T

y hard." He's getting us ready for a major assault. It

situation was. Zander's apprehensions regarding the renegades were not

as not to draw attention to herself. Zander was there, his eerie figure standing out aga

ak with him. Zander was the only one who

stioned softly as

on, his expression uninte

eard a few of the pack members conversing. The rogues are

outlaws have been acting more violently lately. They're

hat are their desires? Why do

e generally the driving forces behind rogues. Our pack is perceived by them as a danger and a challeng

not much allayed by the explanation.

ould be ready for everything, even though we're anticipating the worst. Before attacking,

unwavering conviction in his voice. It was obvious that he was co

e, but with greater conviction. Tell me

what. "Thank you for the offer, but it's risky out there. For t

merely to be helpful. I want to blend in with th

et forth a final sigh. "All right. I'll check to see if you can assist. But keep in mind

lief, Jane nodded

lve and anxiety as she watched him go. Although she was aware that her posi

over the rogues and the difficulties ahead as she got into bed. She struggled wit

of Zander's pack, having overcome the humiliation of Marcus's rejection. She would confront

ts of insomnia. The sun was already high in the sky, and the

anding outside the shelter waiting for her. "Zander

e trailed Claire to the central clearing, where Zander waited. He

ng for you," as Jane drew near. "I

e opened it, she discovered some food, a l

getting ready for the impending fight, you will require it. If y

wave of appreciation. "I'm grate

ing so I can go on patrol later. I want you to be pre

ane found some food, a little knife, an

want to help us prepare for the upcoming conflict. Claire wil

ok the envelope. "I'm appreciative

, I need you to start training. We can't afford to be

rs as she gazed into his eyes. She was driven even more to prove hersel

ded, her voice steady

brief moment of connection between them. However, he pi

to get right into your practic

e was a part of this pack now, not just a rejected Ome

red her to be. She had no idea that the past would soon cast its shadows and that the diffi