The wind howled through the trees as Elara rocked baby Mira to sleep. Their small cabin felt cozy and safe, far from all the pain Kael had caused. Riven had gone hunting with his pack, promising to return before midnight. Lightning flashed outside. Thunder rumbled. Mira stirred in her arms but didn't wake up. Then came the knock. Three slow taps on the wooden door. Elara's heart jumped. Riven never knocked like that. He always called out her name.
"Who's there?" she whispered, holding Mira closer. Silence. Another knock. Louder this time. Elara crept to the window and peeked through the curtain. A tall figure stood in the dark. Rain poured down his dark hair. His eyes glowed silver in the moonlight. A monster. But not one she knew. "I mean no harm," the man called out. His voice was smooth like honey. "I have news about your family." Family?
