CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIX - STORMING THE SAFEHOUSE

One evening, as they were reviewing a particularly cryptic text, Freya turned to Anna with a thoughtful expression. "You know," she said, "when Erik first brought you here, I thought it was a terrible mistake. A human in our world? It seemed like an unnecessary risk." Anna nodded, remembering those tense early days. "I can't say I blamed you. I felt so out of place, like I was intruding on a world I couldn't possibly understand." Freya's lips quirked in a small smile. "And yet, here you are, elbow-deep in werewolf lore, helping to uncover secrets that have been hidden for centuries. You've surprised me, Anna Petrovic." "In a good way, I hope?" Anna asked, only half-joking. Freya's smile widened slightly. "Indeed. Your presence here has brought... fresh energy to Ulfheim. You see things differently, ask questions we might not think to ask. It's... refreshing." Anna felt a warmth spread through her chest at Freya's words. "Thank you, Freya. That means a lot coming from you. And I h