The sun was high in the sky, casting long shadows through the dense forest. The aftermath of the battle lay scattered around the den; bodies, broken weapons, and the faint smell of blood still lingered in the air. Ethan, leading the cleanup and recovery efforts, felt the weight of exhaustion bear down on his shoulders, but he knew their work was far from over.
"Move those wounded inside," he instructed, pointing to a group of warriors struggling to carry their injured comrades. "And set up a perimeter. We need to be ready in case they come back."
The pack moved with a grim efficiency, their movements mechanical from fatigue but precise from practice. Every member had a role to play, and they performed their duties with a silent determination.
POV: Lia
