The sky started howling before the wolves did.
Storm clouds spiraled overhead like something was stirring the whole atmosphere with a giant spoon. The air vibrated, humming in a way that made my teeth ache. Sparks flickered across the clouds, silver lightning blooming in sudden pulses like veins under skin. Every hair on my arms stood up.
Nathan’s soldiers shouted across the courtyard. Wolves paced in tight circles, their bodies tense, their eyes flicking toward the trees as if they expected something to lunge out any second.
I stood near the center, trying very hard not to panic. Or scream. Or throw up.
Leah grabbed my sleeve. “The sky is not supposed to do that.”
“Yeah.” I said. “Crazy how weather gets when the universe hates you.”
The wind shifted suddenly. Warm at first. Then sli
