I don’t flinch or let the words settle, even though they dig in like claws beneath my skin. He says it so easily, like my death is nothing more than an inconvenience to be resolved. As if it’s already been decided.

Behind him, wolves come into view and stay behind him. Their silence is more threatening than any growl I may hear. They are waiting for my response, waiting for an order.

Maya is still behind me. I can feel her fingers curling in the back of my t-shirt,

I should have made her ...