My muscles coiled instinctively, ready to spring into action, but my heart pounded like a drum in my chest. I didn’t know what to do.
*What now?* I asked, my thoughts scrambling for answers.
*Stay calm,* Autumn instructed, her tone firm but not unkind. *If we panic, we’ll make mistakes. We’re fast, we’re strong, and we’re not alone.*
Calm my ass! I was a nerd! More into novels than training!
The words were meant to be reassuring, but I couldn’t shake the growing dread that gripped me.
Another howl shattered the stillness, so close now it felt like it was right behind me. Autumn turned sharply, her claws digging into the snow as her ears pinned back. A growl rumbled in my chest, low and warning.
*They’re surrounding us,* Autumn said, her voice a steady anchor against my ri
