[Astrid P.O.V.]
The late morning sun filtered weakly through the tall pines, casting long fingers of light across the frost-covered ground. The stillness of the air felt unnatural, like the forest itself was holding its breath.
Then came the sound of a long, singular howl that split the quiet like a blade through silk.
It was not an alarm for war, but neither was it a casual greeting. The tone was deliberate. Cautious. A warning. One wolf, approaching alone, but fast.
My heart clenched the second I heard it.
I was already moving before anyone else reacted, stepping out onto the packhouse porch with my sweater sleeves pushed up to my elbows, ignoring the crisp bite of the air against my skin. My hand curled tightly around the wooden railing as if anchoring myself, while the other lifte
