Chapter 241: Unfiltered Chaos

THORNE The weight of exhaustion pressed down on my shoulders as I reviewed the transport manifests for what felt like the hundredth time that morning.  Getting Lake's medical equipment back to Silver Creek was proving to be a logistical nightmare that required specialized vehicles, trained medical personnel, and enough security to protect a small convoy.   Between coordinating with Dr. Sloane, arranging pack housing assignments, and managing the political fallout of our extended absence, I felt like I'd aged a decade in the past week.   Samuel and Silvia had been invaluable in helping prepare our return strategy, their years of experience in pack politics proving crucial as we crafted explanations for the council that wouldn't cause mass panic or rebellion. The decision to lift the supernatural ban in Silver Creek was going to be controversial enough without adding the full truth about Andy's psychological warfare and Riley's conditioning to the mix.   "The council's going to push back