The memory wolf

discuss the disappearance of the young wolf near the northern ridge, but I could already feel the under

utral expression. Kelan trailed behind, giving me a subtle nod

ers began, barely audible at

muttered under his breath to his neighbor

maybe she's connected somehow...

My instincts had guided me straight to the scene. I had acted faster t

silent warning. He leaned close, whispering, "A

I'm fine," I muttered, th

ately. Rhea's amber gaze was sharp and calculat

ehind it, "care to explain how you arrived so qu

t. He studied me silently, his

e, "I trust you will be honest. Do not u

I just followed my instincts," I said, keeping

s, hmm? Interesting. We will see if that instinct also info

hts pressing against mine. Too fast. Too knowledgeab

n't argue," he muttered qu

n in my chest was growing. My wolf flexed impatiently

ugh for me to hear, "If she got there so fast

t up. "Silence," he commanded, voice sharp eno

baseless accusations to disrupt the pack. But, Ayla, understand this:

ry secret is noticed. We all sense it, Ayla. Every hesita

ything," I said, forcing the words out. But the wolf insi

finally. "You will continue your training. Openly. I

ery instinct screamed: They cannot

'll talk later," he murmured.

crowd's murmurs rose again. "Too qu

g, guessing, watching, an

-

ht like a live wire. The forest was alive around me, the rustle of leaves, the subtle tremor of

hoes I had begun to sense. I could feel the residual energy of death, the faint imprint of a struggle, lik

led deeply, and tapped

emale wolf, older, taller than the rest, moving with purpose. Behind her, the trail of blood. A figure pr

he echo, throbbing with warning and fascination. Rhea? The th

usions. Memories could be fragmented, deceptive. I needed

names, the shadowed hand that had ended a life, a hisse

ws. Ayla

he memory, it was real and u

me, alert, angry, vibrating wi

own my name centuries ago.

ckened around me, wrapping the forest in darkness, as if res

ignore: a figure draped in shadow, glowing eyes, whispering my name as though it h

o connect with the memory. I could feel the weight of centu

, trembling, "Who are you?

my skin answered, thrumming in response. Someone knew me.

ould almost understand, the fa

e have bee

I realized: this was