Andrew didn’t come. Instead, two other guards came and dragged us out at first light. The chains bit at my wrists, and the collar dug into my neck. Amy stumbled beside me, too thin and too wild-eyed. The guards didn’t care if we tripped. They just yanked harder, laughing under their breath. The courtyard was packed. Wolves shoulder to shoulder, their breath fogging in the cold. It wasn’t a celebration. It wasn’t war. It was a gathering, and I knew it was for Maggie. Maggie’s funeral. Without a word, everyone started to move. We walked behind the crowd until we came to a clearing. Maggie’s body lay in the center, wrapped in white linen. Pine boughs and stones surrounded her, offerings from wolves who actually cared. My chest twisted. She had deserved firelight, songs, and peace. Not this. N
