A few days later, the pack house buzzed with activity; it was another day for the meeting of the Council of Elders.

Madame Dolores seemed to be beside herself with anxiety. She moved through every corner, checking and double-checking each detail. Emilia simply watched the woman—she had volunteered to help, but Madame Dolores had told her not to worry.

When it was afternoon, Elders from across the territory began to arrive one by one, greeting each other with solemn nods. Emilia watched from the side, noticing how their eyes roamed the room. And when they fell on her, there was nothing but hostility in their gaze.

Emilia knew that they...