I woke earlier than I had in weeks. My eyes opened before the sun had fully risen, and for the first time since coming into this world, my sleep had been dreamless, deep, and steady. No memories chasing me, no shadows clawing at my mind. Just peace.
I didn’t even bother to bathe or brush my hair. My body moved before my mind could second-guess, tugging on yesterday’s clothes as if the urgency inside me had been waiting all along. Today was different. Today, I wasn’t just pretending to be human or fumbling through a wolf’s destiny. Today, I was going to learn.
“Eryndra,” I whispered, sitting cross-legged on the bed, my bare toes curling against the cool floor. “Teach me. Please. I don’t want to wait anymore.”
Her presence stirred. So eager, little one? she teased, though her voice carrie
