The moon hung low and heavy over the palace when Seren stepped into the courtyard, her bare feet silent on the cold stone. Around her, three wolves waited in the silver light.
Aeron stood apart, his grey coat the colour of winter storms. His eyes, amber and ancient, watched her with the same intensity he brought to council chambers. Beside him, Kael paced in restless circles, his dark fur almost black against the shadows, muscles rippling with barely contained energy. Theron lay stretched across the flagstones, his russet coat gleaming, tail wagging once in greeting.
They had asked her to join them. Not as a queen, a diplomat or a curiosity. But as a pack.
Seren closed her eyes and reached for the shift.
