At the Creek Castle, Ma'am Ethelswilt, an ancient shifter and trusted caretaker of the pack, was meticulously setting the dinner table alongside her loyal handmaid, Larissa, and a few other maids. The sumptuous supper, comprising an array of palatable dishes, was carefully arranged on the grand, long table.

The golden-hued lids of the ornate serving pots and the regal flatware: plates, spoons, cups, and forks, sparkled like diamonds under the warm, golden glow of the exquisite, crystal chandeliers suspended from the high ceiling.

Just as Ma'am Ethelswilt was about to pass a steaming bowl of casserole to Larissa, who wore a somber expression and seemed lost in thought, a rambunctious...