ra

most strenuous tasks in the pack kitchen. I scrubbed massive cauldrons, hauled heavy sacks of grain, and peeled endless piles of vegetables, my hands

ore Seraphina. Before the prophecy that had branded me an outcast. But those memories were fleeting, like wisps of smoke. For most

aw a familiar black ''horse-drawn carriage'' parked in the shadows at th

turn and walk away, but my f

"I brought you something," he said, his voice softer than it had been in years. He opened the box

neak pieces to me from the Alpha's table when he thought no one was looking. He was the only one who ever s

The arrow, its tip coated in a silver-laced poison, had been meant for him. It had pierced my side, and the venom had ravaged my body,

tiful gown of deep crimson, woven from shimmering moon-petal silk. It was the exact dress I had

ed dress," he said, a faint, al

"I don't like red," I said, my voice cold and em

placed by a look of confusion and hu

matter," I

oing to take you to Moonstone Lake," he said, his voice regaining its gentle

at dungeon, stirred. Moonstone Lake was our place. It was where

o the ''carriage''. The ride was silent for a few

inally, his eyes on the road. "And

a second, his focus turning inward. A mind-link. An urgent o

I heard them in the sudden chill that filled the ''ca

t the ''horseman'', his voice once again th

He swung the ''carriage'' around in a tight arc,

was focused on Seraphina, on her supposed distress. He had brought me cake and a dress,

e he alw

andoned m