Azaria 'Ziya' Point of View
The adrenaline coursed through my veins as we ran back to the Thornwolf packhouse, my mind racing with the events that had just transpired. The images of Ethan's bloodied, lifeless body flashed in my mind like a grotesque slideshow, each slide a stark reminder of the violence that had taken place. My heart was heavy, but there was a cold, steely resolve that had settled in the pit of my stomach. I knew what had to be done.
On the way back, I mind-linked my pack members, instructing them to gather the Thornwolf pack members in the clearing near the packhouse. I wanted them all to hear the announcement at once, to witness the truth of what had happened and to understand that their lives were about to change forever. I also sent a quick message to Jimena, asking her to take Nathan and the children to the packhouse and wait for further instructions. They needed to be kept safe, away from what was about to unfold.