a's

tter from Elias Thorn was still tucked into my coat, worn sof

to the ring of old stones. I cou

eyes already on me. I didn't talk; I jus

it. She didn't

low and respectful, as if she were speaking to s

-she's remembering.

oser, lifting her hand. Her fingers w

in a low voice. I did, and t

name. My mother was crying through clenched teeth. Then the fire split, and something dark

again. Powerless. Then, through the fire and smo

eyes snapped open, my heart racing in m

that?" I choked ou

saw the beginning. What the

he was there. H

need to remember. But it won't come all at o

weight of too many facts I

ause you are the wound and the cure." I left the fo

e the ground might vanish beneath me, and

ammed into his chest. I recoiled instantly, stumbli

but his voice was sh

I have time to spy while your pack let

ning sound. "What wer

s," I snapped, pushing p

ur father, apparently." He froze. The blood

u were never supposed to be my mate, right?

You were never suppo

heat rising in my mouth. "

perfect Alpha-in-training face he always wore, but somethin

.. it would hur

eart racing. "It did

I couldn't let myself drown in them aga

hen broke. "Wow," came a voice l

r red gown shining like spilled rubies in the dy

, her voice sweet and cruel. "

didn't defend me this time. He didn't even look

the servant's room, eyes wide open, looking

eart. Sage's words mixed in my head: You are the wound.

through my spine, white-hot and

ly. Not gradually, like I'd h

storm going t

y blood like liquid metal. My skin burned. My teeth ache

e me. Not in agony, but in fury. The room blu

h and wide and watching. Its light pie

y for help, but my voice was gone. My hands scratched at the woo

balance; it came with fire. I felt my wolf's mind... so close, so r

Help..." I tried to speak, but my jaw was already

gs. My heat spilled from my skin. The room smelled like smoke a

fted, half-broken. My vision returned slowly, and when

me, but they weren't mine. T

nd them, something stirred. Something old

... Layla... w

ely move, but I saw her face

you. Layla... that wasn't a normal shift." I

." I tried to stand, but my legs fell beneath me. I

et you to Sag

anyone else

my wolf breaking free. It was something else breaking throug

it was wild, a