CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
I settle beneath the sprawling branches of an ancient oak, its leaves whispering secrets to the wind. The festival buzzes in the distance, a hive of activity as the pack prepares for tonight's celebration. But here, in my secluded nook, the world quiets down to just the rustle of pages as I open my new journal. The leather cover is smooth under my fingertips, a blank canvas for my thoughts and dreams.
I run my hand over the first clean page, feeling the weight of possibility. Here, I can be honest, spill out the parts of me that are too wild, too fiery to show to anyone else. Even my brother Lucas, who knows me better than most, doesn't see all the facets of my heart. I press the pen to paper and it feels like exhaling, words flowing in ink, swirling around secrets I
