Devon ran through the forest with all the speed his small legs could muster, his heart pounding in his chest. The shadows stretched long and dark as the sun began to dip below the horizon. As he neared the village, his mind raced with the events that had just transpired. He burst through the door of Estella’s shop with a loud slam, startling her from her work.“Devon!” Estella exclaimed, rushing toward him. The sight of her son, pale and sweating, his usually bright eyes now clouded with fear, sent a jolt of panic through her. She knelt at his level, her hands on his shoulders. “What happened? Where is Aris?”Devon’s breath came in quick, shallow gasps. He took a moment to gather himself, then recounted the events in the forest. “There is a group of people… intruders in the forest,” he said, his voice trembling but clear. “They’re not ordinary people. They are very strong and they wear blue-colored uniforms. Aris said that they might be from a strong pack, and he stayed behind to dela

When Brandon and the men arrived back at the village, Estella was already waiting, her heart pounding with worry. She had been anxiously pacing the small space of her shop, Devon by her side.As soon as she saw them carrying Aris, her eyes widened in shock. “Chief, what happened?” she asked, rushing forward. Her voice was strained, barely concealing her panic.Brandong’s face was grave. “We found him in the forest,” he explained. “There was a huge fire, and after we managed to put it out, we found Aris unconscious on the ground. We didn’t see any intruders, only the flames.”Estella’s mind raced. “Bring him inside, quickly,” she ordered, leading them into her shop where the light of lanterns cast a warm glow over the wooden shelves lined with jars and herbs.The men carefully laid Aris on the table Estella had cleared. His body was covered in cuts and bruises, his breathing was shallow and labored. Estella’s heart ached at the sight, but she forced herself to remain calm.“Devon, fetc

It had been a week since the villagers relocated to a safer location, following the sudden ambush by the Vesper Pack. The village chief had not let his guard down for a moment. He swiftly organized patrol groups to monitor the forests surrounding their new settlement, ensuring that no intruder would catch them off guard again.Estella, meanwhile, was far from idle. Her mind was set on the promise she made to Brandon: she would bring back Brett alive. As she methodically packed the items she needed for her journey, her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her son Devon’s laughter, echoing from the courtyard.Estella stood at the threshold of her small cottage, her heart swelling with a rare and profound happiness. The scene before her was one she never thought she’d witness: Devon was sitting on Aris’s lap. Aris was guiding Devon’s tiny hand as they painted together on a canvas.Devon giggled, his sweet laughter filling the air, a sta