Chapter 6 +25 BONUS When I woke , I was no longer in the cold forest , but lying on a bed of thick furs in a warm , dry cave . A heavy blanket covered me . Torches glowed softly along the stone walls , casting shadows and warmth that danced like quiet flames . The air smelled faintly of herbs , cedar , and snowmelt . The searing pain of rejection had dulled . It was still there , a low ache beneath my ribs , but no longer consuming . My body was weak , but my wolf had regained strength . I felt lighter , as if part of the burden had been lifted and carried away by unseen hands . " You're finally awake , " came a deep voice from the entrance . The Alpha . He stepped inside , now clean and dressed in simple dark clothes that fit him perfectly , as if they'd been made for his body alone . In his hands was a stone bowl of steaming broth , the savory aroma making my stomach twist painfully with hunger . He crossed the space between us and offered the bowl . " Eat . It'll help . " I sat up slowly , bracing myself against the wall . " I don't know who you are , or where I am . " " I'm Asher , " he said . " You're in Ashborn territory . " My breath caught . The Ashborn Pack ruled the entire Northern Territory - wealthy , vast , and fiercely dominant . Compared to my old pack , theirs was massive . And Asher ... he was the Northern Alpha . A legend . Stories whispered his name with a mix of awe and fear . His wolf was said to be unmatched in power , which was larger , deadlier , and born for war . No one dared defy him . A chill rippled through me . I had wandered straight into the heart of his land - alone , broken , vulnerable .