na Thor

and dried lavender, the soft furs on my bed-it was all so different from the cold, damp stone

, its gentle aroma filling the air. She sat on the edge of my bed, her expression a

at truly happened tonight. You've ne

ruth, wrapped in a lie she could accept. "When I was in the water," I began, my voice quiet, "I thought I was going to die.

pulling me into a hug. "You've finally grown up." She held me at arm's length, her violet eyes serious. "You know, this alli

never allowed myself to accept before. They gave

deepest, most damning secret. It was a weapon I had never known

assembly since the alliance was announced, a dry affair to discuss

the girl who blended into the shadows. I had shed my plain, drab clothes for a gown of

cker of something akin to awe in Ryker's eyes before he masked it with a scowl. Lilit

large map, pointing out patrol routes with an air of self-importance. I fe

h, ever the helpful future Luna, chimed in. "That forest is so lovely," she said, her voice sweet and reaso

murmurs of approval. It made

oud, but in the stuffy, silent hall

s face tightened with annoyance.

ression a carefully crafted mask of thoughtful curiosity. I tilted my head. "Forgive me," I said, my

th's face, but she held her smi

hers. "Yes. She loved that forest, too.

e, leaving it a sickly, waxy white. Her body began to tremble, a fine, un

ow furrowed in confus

l. No one knew the name. They thought I

wrong, Lilith? You look as though you've seen a ghost." I paused, letti

ed gasp escaping her lips. Ryker

s. "Sera... I-I don't know what you're talking about," she sobbed, her voice breaking pit

ce again, she was the victim, and

a protective embrace, glaring at me over her head. "That's

I had seen the genuine, soul-deep ter

at, I turned and walked out of the great hall, my back straight, leaving

e spread across my face. My wolf stirred in my mind,