After getting my bandages changed, I did not go straight home. Instead, I had Michael drive me to Nora’s house. “I came for the porcelain piece,” I said when Nora opened the door. Her eyes flicked to my hand, wrapped in fresh bandages. I caught the subtle change in her expression, the kind healers and observant wolves could not hide. “You are about to start pushing yourself again,” she noted. I ignored that. Skill did not return just because you rested. I assured her I just needed it and did not intend to use it until I was completely healed. She handed it over to me. After picking up the damaged piece, I returned to Smith Villa and went straight to practice. My right hand throbbed beneath the bandages. The injury had not healed yet. Every movement felt wrong and unnatural, like my

