The morning light came cold through the tall windows of the main hall. I could hear them before I saw them—students clustered in doorways, voices low but sharp enough to carry.

"Did you hear what happened last night?"

"They say she and the Alpha are bound now."

"The council won't let that slide."

I kept walking, boots echoing on the stone floor. My wolf stirred beneath my ribs, restless at being watched. Every pair of eyes that followed me felt like a weight pressing ...