By midday I was already regretting being awake. The entire pack had turned into a hive of buzzing Christmas bees, flying around with garlands, glitter, and the kind of joy that made me feel physically ill. I was on my way to the main hall to avoid choir practice when I heard low voices drifting from behind one of the older storage buildings.
Whispers. Suspicious whispers.
That never meant anything good.
I slowed, stepping closer quietly until the words became clearer.
“Her wolf is awakening too early.”
“Too unstable at her age.”
“She is not prepared.”
“She should not feel the pull yet. It is dangerous.”
A cold chill slid down my spine.
Awakening. Too early. Pull.
They were talking about me.
I turned the corner and found three elders huddled together beside a stack of crates. All
