FORSAKEN BY FATE EMBRACE BY WOLVES

AN

If I let the sun rise before I'm on my feet, my mother would make sure I regret it. I slipped silently

always, but I bit my lip. Hunger was something I've grown used to. I got to eat only when they decided there was food left over, and most nights, that meant nothing at all. My body ached fr

, but the sound of footsteps snapped me to atten

harp and unforgiving, and I instinctively shrinked. "

my words only fueled her anger, and before I could duck, her hand connecte

her eyes narrowing with disgust. "

hisper, and I kept my gaze lowered, k

one, the day was already slipping away. I looked around for a moment, hoping for a break, but that was when I spott

nodding towards the small coin p

ket yesterday. I'd hoped, just for a moment, that maybe I could keep something for myse

satisfaction. "Good. And remember, girl, don't think you can ever

tood there smirking, knowing he'

ices from the other room. My parents were speaking in hushed tones,

wants a you

about time she se

together their plan. They were arranging for me to be married off to the wealthiest elder in the pack,

sh of terror pulsing through me. I would rather run, starve, or die alone

grasping at any possible escape. Tonight, when they are all asleep, I would slip away. I didn'

le of clothes and tucked a piece of stale bread into my pocket. It was not much, but it was all I had. I took a deep breath before

the door and slipped into the night, my bare feet hitting the cold, damp ground.

ther's voice, cold and

ed ahead, dark and dense, but I plunged forward, ducking under branches and darting around trees. Every step sent a

ifted, both of them chasing after me like I stole from them. I didn't dare to slow down, my thoughts were jumbled, a mix of terror and a

to my tiny legs, I was wolfless but I

n my mind, bitter and raw. Why am I the only one w

t my skin, but I forced myself to back up. The forest seemed endless, each step more grueling than the last. I'd lost all sen

ould see a faint light ahead. It was dim, almost ghostly, but it pulled me forward. With th

rent here, colder, more foreboding. A strange scent filled my nose, sharp and u

nto the Silver M

ing for breath. My skin prickled with fear as I realized what I'd done. T

o choice. I