73
8
Elinor
Darian won his fight against a second-born from another pack within five minutes. He then took on another wolf and then another until he was finally beaten by a firstborn.
After the duel, everyone ventured outside to the lamp-lit forest. Having decided to try to make the most of the rest of the party, I stood to the side next to my mother and brother as more wolves challenged each other to fights. I found myself laughing and cheering—the energy and happiness being shared by everyone were contagious.
Beside me, Jackson was having the time of his life watching the fights, calling out whatever he thought a particular wolf should do to win.
"Why can't it always be like this?"
"Maybe one day, it will be," someone voiced behind me.