KELLY THOMPSON'S POV

As the shadows coalesced into the figure before me, my heart thundered against my ribs. The mysterious being-a phantom from a bygone era-stood enshrouded in the dimness of the ancient forest that had witnessed countless lifetimes.

"Elara Windrider," the figure intoned, and its voice seemed to echo from the very depths of the earth. "Your lineage intertwines with that of the South pack's Luna Queen more intricately than the roots of the oldest trees."

"Speak plainly," I ...