Whispers of the Sun

h the narrow streets, the sharp scent of herbs following her like a ghost. As an apothecary, she'd grown used to the whispers behind her back. People knew she was diffe

ut told her something was wrong. Her eyes kept flicking to the dark line of the forest, where the howls still echoed, closer now. When she reached her apothecary, Elira grabbed a leather pouch and began filling it with sage and other supplies. She paused, sensing something-someone-was near. Her heart pounded in her chest as she stepped out into the square. A group of armored men stood near the edge of the cobblestones, their heavy boots echoing on the stone. Elira recognized the insignia on their tunics-Fenric, the local lord's soldiers. One of them, a tall man with dark hair and sharp features, stepped forward. "Elira Wren?" She didn't answer immediately, watching him with suspicion. There was no reason for them to be here, not unless- "You're under arrest," he said coldly. "For consorting with wolves. You've been seen near the Veilwood." His voice dropped, as though he expected her to cower. "We have orders to bring you to the lord." --- Elira didn't flinch. "I don't consort with wolves, and you don't have any business with me." The soldier's hand went to his sword, but before he could draw it, there was a sudden rustling from the trees. A shadow moved fast, a blur of fur and rage. Elira barely had time to react before the beast lunged, tearing into the soldiers with terrifying speed. The man in front of her was tossed aside, his armor crumpling under the force of the attack. Elira's breath caught in her throat as she saw the creature-a massiv