Elena’s POV

Every step through the packhouse feels like walking through fire.

Whispers follow me everywhere.

“Rogue.”

“Fallen.”

“Unmated.”

The words stick like thorns under my skin.

I keep my head high, pretending not to hear, but my wolf does. She growls low every time someone mutters under their breath.

Rhea walks beside me with a clipboard, pretending everything is normal. “Ignore them,” she murmurs.

“I’m trying.”

“They’ll stop eventually.”

I glance around at ...