YEARS EARLIER
He had been walking the outer stretch of the pack's forest that night, far from the settlement lights. The trees were dense there and older. He wasn't patrolling, he just needed air and the truth was... he preferred the quiet edges of the territory.
A faint rustle made him stop mid-step.
His head turned slowly, eyes narrowing as they scanned the trees. He was sure he had heard something.
"Who is there?" he called firmly. "Show yourself."
Silence.
Only the wind brushing through leaves.
He waited.
Then another sound, closer.
He turned sharply this time. Then he saw her.
A girl. Standing directly in front of him. Not running. Not hiding. Just watching.
She couldn't have been more than twelve. Maybe younger. Thin. Dirt on her clothes. Her hair slightly tangled.
