The rest of our meal goes by quietly. Maya doesn’t speak to me, but nibbles on a few things and watches the room.

Eventually, we leave. As we get further down the hallway, away from the pack, she clears her throat.

“I can fight my own battles, you know?”

I stop, turning slightly to look at her. She just glares back at me in pure defiance. “What?”

“Not against them. Not yet.”

When I reach out to touch her arm, she takes a step back, crossing her arms over her chest. Frustration ...