The aroma of pine and smoke interwove the air as Cassie moved beyond the border stones, her heart beating at each step in a slow, fearful rhythm. She'd worn a hooded cloak dyed the shade of twilight storm, the fabric hugging her like a second skin. Underneath, the beat of her pulse had been louder than the sound of music carried through from far away.
It was the Festival of Remembrance.
Of course, it was.
Lanterns swayed like fireflies, hung from wood rafters and silver wires. Wolves capped in human form, dressed in ritual grays and whites, paying their respects to the dead. The evening hummed with respect—candles, laughter, and an intimacy she had once so wretchedly longed to be a part of.
She was now but a specter to them.
Cassie embraced the shadows, flowing like smoke between tent
