Snow drifted from the sky like someone shook a pillow over the entire territory. Thick flakes floated lazily, landing on my eyelashes and catching in my hair. The world glittered beneath a blanket of white. Christmas lights lined every rooftop and tree trunk, glowing in strings of red and gold. They flickered against the darkness like stubborn little stars refusing to be ignored.
You would think a Christmas night patrol would feel magical. Festive. Cozy. Maybe include hot chocolate and carols. Spoiler alert. It did not.
My boots crunched over snow as I moved along the outer border. Warriors flanked me on both sides, silent and tense. Their breath fogged in the frigid air. The steady rhythm of footfalls matched the pulse in my chest. My wolf prowled beneath my skin, awake and alert, her e
