I knew I was dreaming. I stood in a blooming meadow, surrounded by vibrant flowers and tall trees swaying in the wind. Mom and Katty were there. Mom wore the floral summer dress she had last year, and Katty had on her favorite outfit—the blue skirt and white top she had always loved. They ran among the flowers, laughing and spinning like children.

  "Come, Tracy! Come play with us!" Katty called, waving happily.

  I smiled but shook my head.

  "I can't right now. You run—I'll catch up soon," I answered softly.

  It felt good just to watch them. Everything that had happened lately had filled my mind to the brim, and I had almost forgotten what it felt like to remember them. Just the thought of it made me feel ashamed.

  "Don't be ashamed, my child. Losing sight of your loved ones in the fight against the darkness is nothing to feel guilty about."

  An unfamiliar voice came from behind me. I turned and saw a woman approaching—dressed in a long white gown, surrounded by a soft, glowing light. There was something about her... something ancient and beautiful.

  "Tracy," she said warmly. "My name is Seraya. I was the first ancient wolf."

  I just stood there, speechless. Her presence was overwhelming—as if she carried the weight of the world in her heart, yet still radiated love.

  "Seraya?" I whispered, unsure if I'd heard her right.

  She nodded.

  "Vaelmark was my mate. For thousands of years, we fought together to keep the balance between light and darkness. When he fell in battle against the Dark Side, I bound my power to his blood—to our descendants."

  Her gaze rested on me.

  "You carry my power within you, Tracy. You are the one meant to restore the balance. It was your presence that awakened Vaelmark in Will—to protect you, and through that, to protect me. You are the key to uniting light and darkness."

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  I swallowed hard. Her words were heavy, but at the same time, they lit something within me.

  "Sacra knows this. She always has. That's why she wanted you—to steal my power, twist it into darkness, and make it her own. She tricked your friends into bringing you to her, making them believe she was good. But it was all a facade. She waited, hidden in the shadows, gathering strength from the darkness. Now she's stronger than any Vaelmark—or I—have ever faced."

  Seraya took a step closer and looked at me with deep seriousness.

  "You are our only hope, Tracy. And now... now your power will awaken."

  She leaned forward and gently kissed my forehead.

  I jolted awake—but instantly regretted it. Pain shot through my side from the stab wound. I gasped.

  Someone was holding my hand.

  I turned my head carefully and saw Will sitting next to the bed, his head resting on the mattress. He had fallen asleep there, but he never let go of my hand. His grip was firm, as if he was afraid I would disappear if he let go.

  A soft smile spread across my lips. I lifted my hand to his head and gently ran my fingers through his hair.

  Will stirred a little in his sleep, mumbled something I couldn't hear, and still clung tightly to my hand. It was as if he didn't dare let go even in his dreams. I lay still, watching him, the calm on his face, and my chest ached with gratitude. He had been there the whole time.

  So much had changed in such a short time. We had lost friends, fought for our lives, lost ourselves—and still, we were here. Together.

  Will moved again, this time more alert. His eyes fluttered open, and he looked straight at me. It only took a second before he sat up, a flicker of panic in his eyes.

  "Tracy!" he exclaimed. "You're awake!"

  I smiled faintly, still weak. "Yes... barely. But I'm here."

  He took a deep breath, as if he'd been holding it for hours. His eyes filled with relief, and he brought my hand to his heart.

  "I thought I lost you," he whispered.

  "I was gone for a while," I said softly, "but someone brought me back."

  He looked at me, confused, but said nothing. I met his eyes.

  "I met her, Will. Seraya."

  His eyes widened. "Seraya? You mean..."

  "The first wolf. Vaelmark's mate. She told me why Sacra is after me. What I carry inside me."

  The silence that followed was heavy, but full of meaning. He didn't need to ask. He just sat there, holding my hand, listening.

  "It's her power I carry," I continued. "Seraya's power. And... that's why Vaelmark awakened in you. To protect me. To protect her."

  Will looked at me for a long time. His eyes searched mine, as if trying to grasp something still hidden. Finally, he said quietly:

  "Then we're both more than we ever thought."

  I nodded. "And we don't have much time. Sacra... she's not waiting anymore. She's strong now. Stronger than either of us."

  Will took a deep breath, leaned forward, and pressed his forehead to mine.

  "Then we fight," he whispered. "Together."