The sun was shining brightly as I, Cinder, walked through the woods. Everything felt different now. After the spy was caught, my new pack was stronger, but a new danger was creeping closer. I could feel it in my bones. Suddenly, a chill ran through the air. The wind whispered my name, and I knew something big was about to happen.
I gathered my friends in a clearing. Jason, Zara, and a few other werewolves stood around me, their faces showing worry. "What if Volkov comes back?" I asked. Jason's jaw tightened. "We won't let him hurt you, Cinder. We're all in this together."
Just then, a shadow fell over us. I turned around and saw him. King Roderick Volkov. His dark eyes sparkled with a mix of arrogance and cunning. He looked the same, but something felt off. "Cinder," he said, his voice smooth like silk. "I have a proposal for you."
I felt my heart race. This was not good. "What do you want?" I demanded, trying to sound brave.
