Emily Ragnar’s public declaration might have inspired unwavering respect for Ayla throughout the kingdom, but it really made me feel marginalized and taken for granted. I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something strange about her and her children, and it was infuriating that I couldn’t pinpoint what made me feel that way. When she walked through the gates for the first time, there was an aura around her that made my blood run cold while the hairs on my body stood on end. Since that day, I’ve watched her closely, thoroughly irritated by her ‘helpless little lady with no one to look out for her’ act. Her scent was strange. I’d never seen her shift into her wolf form, but I could tell there was absolutely nothing helpless about her, especially because of the way her eyes glist

