The day began heavier than most. Even under the veil, the air carried a restless pull. Every wolf in the compound felt it—the full moon approaching. Muscles twitched, tempers were short, and even the youngest shifted in their seats, skin prickling as if their other selves were impatient to be let out.
Ravyn noticed it the moment she stepped into the corridor. A low growl drifted from somewhere down the hall, not hostile but sharp. A door slammed harder than necessary. Wolves didn’t handle confinement well, and it had been too long since they’d shifted together. Tonight would bring release—or danger, if anyone lost control.
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By midmorning the great hall was crowded. Wolves filled one side, witches the other, with humans scattered in between. The tension in the room was almost physical—e
