The carriage rolled through the forest in silence on the way back, but Rachel’s heart felt lighter than it had in months.
She had spent the entire visit wrapped in the warmth of her family. Her mother’s tight, tearful hugs. Her sisters’ excited laughter and endless questions. The familiar scent of home. Even her father’s cold but relieved nod had been something. For a few precious hours, she had not been the hated Luna of the Dark Moon Pack. She had simply been Rachel again — daughter, sister, someone who was loved.
Elena sat beside her in the carriage, holding her hand quietly. The two warriors Kylian had sent as escorts rode outside, giving them privacy. Rachel leaned her head against the window, a small, soft smile on her lips.
“It was good to see them,” she whispered. “I needed that
