The rain did not stop.
It fell harder over Beaumont, beating against rooftops, soaking through cloaks, turning the village square into mud beneath our feet.
Still, no one moved.
Not the warriors.
Not the villagers watching from their doorways.
Not the silver-eyed wolves waiting beyond the gate.
And not me.
I stood between two worlds I did not understand.
Behind me was Beaumont.
The only home I had ever known.
In front of me was the forest.
Silver eyes.
Old promises.
A truth everyone seemed afraid to say aloud.
The Alpha stepped closer.
"Aria, go inside."
His voice was quiet.
Not a command this time.
A plea.
That should have made it easier to obey.
It didn't.
My fingers curled around the pendant hidden beneath my cloak.
The silver was warm against my palm.
My wolf sti
