[Araya's POV]
Araya lies in the snow, her body trembling with exhaustion. Every muscle screams in protest. Her hands are bleeding from the axe work, her ribs ache from the failed hunting attempt, and her entire body feels like it's been torn apart and barely stitched back together.
But she felt her wolf.
For the first time in her entire life, she actually felt it.
Footsteps crunch through the snow. Araya opens her eyes to see Lyra approaching, carrying a blanket.
"Come on," Lyra says gently. "Let's get you inside before you freeze to death."
Lyra helps Araya to her feet, wrapping the blanket around her shoulders. Araya leans heavily on Lyra as they make their way back to the cabin.
Inside, the fire burns warm and bright. Selvara sits at the table, sharpening a knife. She looks up as
