The parking lot of the Susquehanna Valley Mall was half full—humans milling about, the smell of pretzels wafting through the air, someone’s car blaring pop music far too loudly. Ryan wrinkled his nose as they stepped out.
“Humans are so loud.”
Ember elbowed him. “Says the wolf who snores like a dying chainsaw.”
“I do not snore.”
Lyra patted his shoulder sympathetically. “You do. It’s okay. We love you anyway.”
Aurora laughed, linking her arm with Lyra’s as they headed toward the entrance. Even with Gamma Rowan and two warriors shadowing them discreetly, the outing felt surprisingly…normal. Human. Something they rarely got to experience.
The scent of perfume, cinnamon sugar, and cheap plastics hit them the moment they stepped inside.
“Alright!” Ember clapped her hands. “Lyra, Aurora—
