Victoria's POV

The town of Millbrook sits like a dirty smudge against the forest, all cracked pavement and rusted signs promising prosperity that never came.

'Perfect. Another shithole that matches my mood.'

I shoulder my backpack and stride toward the Shadow Star territory entrance—a checkpoint disguised as a ranger station at the town's eastern edge. Two guards in civilian clothes lean against the building, their postures screaming werewolf despite the human ...