*Shadow Mountains ---- Twilight Overlook*

Crystal stood at the edge of the overlook, her cloak snapping in the wind. Aelira stirred within her, her wolf's voice a quiet growl threading through her thoughts.

This is what the world feels like before it breaks, Aelira murmured.

Crystal's fingers tightened on the edge of her cloak as she absorbed Aelira's words. The wolf's certainty was like a heartbeat beneath her own. The ache in her chest reminded her of every choice she had ...