It was Saturday, two weeks since Emilia’s return to her home wolf pack. She stood in her room, staring at her reflection in the mirror, adjusting the strap of the sleek black cocktail dress she’d chosen for the Council dinner.

It fit perfectly, hugging her frame in just the right way, and the black heels added a touch of elegance that wasn’t part of her usual style. Her dark hair hung in loose ringlets around her shoulders, framing her face, and she had even applied a light touch of makeup.

Still, she didn’t quite see the need for all the dressing up. It wasn’t as if the dinner was happening...