I ran until the pack house was far behind me, my wolf howling loud in my head, urging me on. My legs burned, and my body ached from the long day’s work, but I didn’t stop. Part of me wished running could end it all—wished I could just keep going until I dropped and didn’t have to feel this pain anymore. But I kept pushing forward, feet pounding against the earth, not caring where I was headed. By the time I finally slowed down, the night had deepened, probably close to midnight. I found a sturdy tree and climbed up, settling myself across a wide branch, hoping I wouldn’t roll off in my sleep. Exhaustion hit me hard, pulling me under, and I didn’t even try to stop the tears streaming down my face as I drifted off.
The next morning, I woke to the sound of birds chirping and small animals sc
