CHAPTER SIXTY TWO – REBUILDING FROM ASHES

As if to illustrate Emma's point, a group of werewolves who had been staunch supporters of Xyon approached. They looked uncertain, even a little ashamed. One of them, a female named Tessa, spoke up. "We... we wanted to apologize," she said hesitantly. "We've been unfair to you, treating you like an outsider. But after what you did... well, you're more of a pack member than some of us have been." Laura was touched by the gesture. "Thank you," she said sincerely. "I know it hasn't been easy having a human in your midst. But I hope we can move forward together." The werewolves nodded, looking relieved. As they moved away to help with the recovery efforts, Laura felt a sense of hope. Perhaps some good could come from this tragedy after all. As the day progressed, Laura found herself working alongside werewolves she had barely spoken to before. The barriers that had existed seemed to have crumbled in the face of their shared ordeal. Jake approached her as she was taking a brief rest. "