The days after the council’s meeting were anything but peaceful. The pack wore their unease like a second skin. Whispers traveled faster than the wind, twisting into rumors that grew more dangerous with every retelling.

Some said Bella was cursed.

Some said she was blessed.

Most simply said she was different.

And difference, in Moonshadow history, rarely ended well.

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Bella walked the edge of the courtyard that morning, wrapped in a thick cloak to shield herself from the autumn bite. ...