The moon was high when Ayla decided she was done listening.Not done hearing. Done enduring.The pack grounds were quieter at night, though silence in Shadowpine never truly meant peace. Wolves moved in shadows, patrols rotated beyond the tree line, and somewhere near the water well, soft laughter drifted through the cool air. Ayla followed the sound without hesitation.Selene stood near the firepit, surrounded by three she-wolves who leaned in as she spoke. Her posture was elegant, relaxed, almost regal in the way she held her chin. She did not see Ayla approach at first.Or perhaps she did.“And I’m not accusing