89

The precarious peace we had achieved after the battle was abruptly shattered when my father pulled me aside that night, his expression filled with concern and something darker that I couldn't identify at first.

"Eva, we need to talk," he said, his voice low but firm. He led me to a secluded corner of the cave, away from the fire and the rest of the group.

"Dad, what's wrong?" I asked, feeling a knot forming in my stomach.

He sighed, his face lined with worry. "Eva, I've been thinking a lot about everything that's happened. This world of wolves and amulets, it's... it's too much. And Kessler... I'm not sure he's someone we can trust."

A cold shiver ran down my spine. "What do you mean? Kessler has been by our side, protecting us. He's part of this just as much as I am."

My father shook his head, his gaze intense. "Eva, Kessler is a wolf. He might have good intentions, but he's still a dangerous creature. I can't allow you to get closer to him. I can't allow you to be his girlfriend."

T