Chapter 67

Fiona's POV

The woods were alive with the hum of nocturnal creatures, their sounds blending into the faint crunch of leaves beneath our boots. Stella and I moved silently, the tension between us thick as we navigated the southern border. The mission was simple: locate the rogues' trail and report back to the pack. Simple in theory, anyway.

Stella kept her eyes ahead, her sharp features illuminated by the soft glow of the moon. She's been quiet for most of the trek, but I could feel the weight of her disapproval hanging in the air.

"You've been brooding since we left," I said finally, breaking the silence. "If you have something to say, just say it."

She glanced at me, her expression neutral. "It's not my place."

I stopped walking and crossed my arms. "Since when does that stop you?"

Stella sighed, turning to face me fully. "Fine. I think this is a bad idea."

I raised an eyebrow. "Me being here?"

"Exactly."