The cell door opened at midday, and Marina looked up to find a female she did not recognize standing in the doorway.

The wolf was younger than Lyra, perhaps twenty-five, with the distinctive red-brown hair of the Bloodfang bloodline but lighter amber eyes that suggested mixed heritage. She carried a basin of water, clean clothes, and a bundle of clothing that looked significantly better than Marina’s rough hemp dress.

“I’m supposed to help you clean up before exile,” the female said, her tone carefully neutral. “Alpha’s orders. He said…” She paused, seeming to struggle with the words. “He said you shouldn’t leave looking like a prisoner. That would reflect badly...