The camp was a flurry of activity as the aftermath of the battle settled into a tentative peace. Injured wolves were tended to, and the captured rogues were secured. Though victory had been claimed, the cost was evident in the weary faces and the quiet murmurs of the pack. The sun was setting, casting an orange glow over the forest and lending a somber beauty to the scene.
Alex sat alone by the edge of the camp, his thoughts swirling like the autumn leaves that rustled around him. Despite the victory, his mind was still reeling from the revelations about The Shadow and the battle's cost. The words of The Shadow echoed in his mind: "This is just the beginning."
The rustle of footsteps drew Alex from his thoughts. He looked up to see Marcus approaching, his expression serious but relieved.
"Hey, Alpha," Marcus said, sitting down beside him. "How are you holding up?"
