The elder's words lingered in my thoughts like a haunting whisper that would not go away. There will be a sacrifice required. I had my suspicions, even though he had not stated who or what would be sacrificed. I made an effort to ignore the idea and bury it beneath the weight of everything else that was going on. However, it was present, biting at me like a shadow hiding in the recesses of my consciousness.
I felt the weight of leadership pressing down more than ever as I stood by the camp's edge and watched the pack get ready for battle. The Shadow Creek Pack was in chaos, with everyone feeling angry, fearful, and exhausted. Allies had broken down and trust had been shattered. Cora was battling the dark force that was developing inside of her during it all, a force that she was not entir
