EMBER’S POV

Nathaniel writes on the whiteboard. Two words at the top, in capital letters: CELESTE’S NIGHT.

“It was Christmas Eve.” His voice is mostly firm, but there’s a shakiness running through it that I can hear from across the room. “You and Celeste hosted a gathering at the Greenvale estate every year. It was an open house. Pack members, allies, friends, family, business associates. Everyone was invited. Celeste loved Christmas more than anyone I’ve ever met. She decorated the whole estate herself; every bannister and window was strung with lights through the garden until the place looked like it was breathing gold. She’d invite everyone she’d ever smiled at.”...