Karl's POV
The silence that settles after everyone disperses feels thicker than the air before a storm. Rain continues its gentle assault on the windows, creating a rhythmic backdrop to my thoughts.
Beyond these walls, pack life resumes its familiar cadence. The realization strikes me with unexpected force - if death had claimed me in those dark hours, the world would have continued spinning. My pack would grieve, perhaps share stories around fires for weeks, then gradually heal. Patrols would still guard our borders. The moon would still command the night sky. Life would flow forward without pause.
The concept hits like a physical blow. It strips away every illusion of invincibility I've carefully constructed. One careless moment nearly erased me from everything that holds meaning. My brother. My friends. My mate.
My boy.
All because arrogance convinced me I could shoulder any burden alone.
