The morning came with noise across the yard because the pack was already preparing for training. Maya stepped outside, her body still sore and stiff from the drills yesterday, and she saw wolves moving quickly, carrying weapons, checking lines, and calling out orders. She stood there for a moment and felt the weight of this world pressing on her again. She knew she was not part of this world by choice, but she also knew she had no option except to live through it.

Her thoughts shifted down to ...