She bore the pain, physical and emotional, without complaint, but each day left a new weight on her chest. Whe

arents stood arm in arm. Her gr

ng?" he asked, his voi

nging. "I'm okay," she murmur

but firm embrace. "You'll be safe with us on the far

swallowing

lour and lavender. Her grandfather joined them, holding them both tightly. They linger

m, her head resting on her grandmother's

thm against the case file. Steam curled from his untouched coffee.

he called, rubb

ver, curiosity etche

iles again," he said, flipping o

ort. "It's like he was trying to g

injuries don't add up. He coul

trying to save t

from the wreck. His daughter was outside,

oice. "And the fur.

eyes. "Chang

ow nod. "Fits

not just chasing answers. We're chasing

tly

ding dirt path, framed by ro

grandfather said

nd time-worn wood. Emilia let her grandmother help her down. Her grand

her grandmother whispered

morize it. The house looked like it had stories tucked into every crack of wood. She w

nd thick with the smell of

r grandmother said, guiding

framed family photos, a wooden dresser with wildflowers in a vase. A thi

lia whispered, emotions t

me," her grandmother replied, s

he door with her suitcase. "L

she said, beginni

he said, placing her fol

one last smile. "I'

yourself comfortable. I need to

de. Birds called from the trees. The scent of fresh hay drifted in through the

h golden light, and the breeze rolled down the slopes like a song.

moved in

oached. Not h

t stride. A farm tool rested across his shoulders, and

smi

Emilia. I'm Ashe

Nice to meet you." She extende

arm, steady. A strange ele

farm. Heard a

ng her hair behind one ear. Why did

ge in his voice. His eyes lingered o

pulse picked up. He wasn't just friendly. There was someth

r grandmother's voice

," Emilia said,

ight,

pped inside, heart t

father realized he'd left h

ttered. "I'll get

ia offered, already

he fields. Crickets chirped. She walked briskly to the tr

The silence was too perfect. No wind. No insects. J

yes darting to the treeline, heartbe

low growl sliced th

fr

r was matted and torn. Another creature

to snarls. The wounded wolf slammed the attacker to the ground

t wolf rais

es met

g, locked her in place. Her legs refus

scream. Cou

, a blur exploded

he

nto a powerful, gleaming wolf. He collided with the b

d of snarls and snapping teeth faded behind her, replaced by

e crossed the porc

e saw them glowing from the shadows. B