next morning arrived faster than Elaine expected . The gentle knock on her hospital room door stirred her from sleep , and she blinked awake to see the faint golden light of dawn slipping past the curtains . Dr. Grey entered with a clipboard in hand , his expression professional but kind . " Good morning , Elaine . How are you feeling today ? " " A little tired , but much better , " she answered truthfully , pushing herself up on the pillows . He nodded approvingly . " That's good to hear . I've reviewed everything . Your wolf has healed significantly , and I'm confident you're strong enough to be discharged . Just take it easy - no strenuous activity until your strength is fully back . Remember , your wolf is working hard to keep you pup safe ." Elaine gave him a grateful smile . " Thank you , Dr. Grey ." By the time she had signed the necessary papers and gathered her few belongings , Darius arrived . He leaned casually against the doorway , but his eyes softened the moment they fell on her . " Ready ? " He asked . Elaine took a deep breath and nodded . " As ready as I'll ever be ." They walked together through the pack hospital's quiet halls , her steps cautious but steady . Once outside , the crisp morning air greeted her , carrying with it the familiar scents of the Crescent Moon territory - pine , earth , and the faint , comforting trace of the pack itself . Waiting near the car was Roselyn , bouncing on her heels with impatience . " Finally ! " She exclaimed the moment she spotted Elaine . " I was beginning to think they were going to keep you in there forever . Come on , I can't wait to show you the pack house ! " Elaine laughed softly , shaking her head . " It hasn't even been that long ." Roselyn grinned mischievously . " It felt like forever . " Darius shot his sister a pointed look . " Roselyn , calm down . She just got discharged . " Roselyn pouted but zipped her lips , though her excitement still shone through her bright eyes . The drive to the pack house was short , but to Elaine , it felt momentous . She watched the landscape blur past - the dense woods , the well - kept roads , the occasional cluster of houses , until at last the pack house carne into view . It was grander than the pack house in Silverblade , with its stone walls and wide balconies overlooking the forest . As the car rolled to a stop , a wave of nervousness fluttered in her stomach . Darius caught the subtle shift in her expression . " You'll be fine ," he murmured , his voice steady , reassuring . 1/3 < Chapter 43 More Rewards > Inside , the pack house was alive with quiet bustle . Members passed by , nodding respectfully to Darius , their gazes curious when they lingered on Elaine . She felt a flush rise to her cheeks , but Darius's presence at her side kept her grounded . He led her up the main staircase , past polished wooden railings and wide hallways , until they reached a room at the end of a corridor . He opened the door for her , gesturing inside . " This will be your room . " He said . Elaine stepped inside and was immediately struck by how warm and welcoming it felt . The room was modest yet comfortable - soft bedding , a writing desk by the window , and a view of the forest beyond . Sunlight spilled across the floor , giving it a golden glow . She turned to him , overwhelmed . " Darius , this is ... more than I expected . Thank you ." " You're welcome , " he said simply , his gaze lingering a moment longer than usual before he cleared his throat . " Settle in , and later today , I'll introduce you to your new duties . " Roselyn practically burst into the room behind them , unable to contain herself any longer . " Oh , it's perfect ! And you're right next to my room . We can talk all night if we want ! " Elaine laughed , shaking her head in amusement . " I'm starting to think you had something to do with this room being chosen . " Roselyn winked dramatically . " Maybe . " Darius rolled his eyes but didn't argue . " Elaine , " he said , drawing her attention back to him , " tomorrow , come by my office . We'll go over your responsibilities . Nothing overwhelming at first , just easing you into it . But for now , take a rest or walk around the pack house , get familiar with your new home " Elaine felt her nerves again , but they were steadied by the trust she saw in his eyes . For the first time since arriving in Crescent Moon , she allowed herself to believe she might truly have a place here - not just as a guest , but as someone who belonged . " I'll be there , and thank you again for the opportunity . " She promised . As Darius left the room , Roselyn plopped herself down on the bed , grinning from ear to ear . " See ? I told you it would all work out ." Elaine smiled softly , her heart lighter than it had been in a long time . " Yes ," she whispered , almost to herself . " Maybe it really will . " " Now , do you want a tour of the pack house ? " Roselyn asked her excitedly . Comments