When we return to the physical world, the sun is just beginning to rise, casting long, golden shadows across the newly bloomed forest. The air is crisp, smelling of pine and damp earth.
I call an emergency assembly in the courtyard.
The pack gathers, along with Morgan, Lilith, and the human delegation via secure comms. They look exhausted, defeated, expecting me to announce Elara’s sacrifice.
I stand at the center of the courtyard, Kade at my right, Asher and Elara holding hands at my left.
"We are not sacrificing Elara," I say, my voice ringing with absolute, unshakeable authority. The Anchor’s power bleeds into my words, silencing the murmurs of the crowd. "And we are not waiting to die."
I look at Lilith. "The Genesis Seed is a lock. The Devourer is a key made of negative mass. If
