It started with a single howl, sharp, broken, and wrong.
Celeste’s head snapped up mid-sip of cider, instinct already overriding the calm. Her wolf surged forward, fur bristling beneath her skin.
Hunter was on his feet beside her in the same breath. “That’s not one of ours.”
Another howl followed, this one closer. Then a scream, followed by chaos.
Celeste flung her mug to the ground and turned toward the clearing just as three shadows burst from the trees, dark-furred rogues with gleaming eyes and bared teeth. One lunged at Lisa.
Celeste was moving before her mind caught up. Her dress tore at the hem as she dropped low and launched into the air. She tackled the rogue mid-pounce, landing in a roll that sent glitter and fabric scattering.
The crowd had frozen for a half second, just lo
