K

runch that echoed through my bones. I can barely breathe.

eans. He says it all the time, but never explains. Maybe

only thing that's ever kept me sane is buryin

ext," Aria growls. Her voice drips with cruel amus

rable. My back feels like it's been ripped apart, and I can't stop the sobs th

, Father. He hurts me. Can't you make him stop? Why do they keep cal

arp businessman, would just look at me with that empty stare he's worn

art acting like it. Maybe once you shift, Lamen will respect you." Then h

e I look too much like her, with her soft lips and delicate nose. But

my tears mixing with the mud. Rage, fear, s

tretch long and heavy. I try to move my hips, terrified that my spine might be sha

eaves and groan. I have to ge

aving for school in New York, far away from this cursed pack

n. My body burns where Lamen kicked me, a strange heat pulsing throu

adiant, graceful as moonlight. She could run faster than the wind. I want to be like her s

the mist has rolled in, wrapping everything in ghost

The warmth soothes the bruises on my back and legs. When I finally look in

now the drill. A soak in Epsom salts, then to be

h me. When I wake up, I move cautiously, then real

e it never happened," I whisper. My eyes widen in disbelief. My bo

he kitchen, reading reports. "Morn

te last night.

protege-a wolf he's been grooming for leadership since childhood. Even back then, Lamen was a

my father praised Lamen. "That boy is cr

y father only sees the le

d unharmed. Shock flickers across his face. His jaw tightens, but when

on in his expression. I might be healed, but the memory of

I open the fridge, pret

" I mutter, answering

t is dismissive, alre

s voice mocking.

and being in the same room with him. My pulse quickens. I grab

" he calls after me, his tone playful an

unds. I don

live, she would have prot

faint hope that one day, my wolf w