Ember
The soft sounds of birds chirping and the gentle breeze caressing my skin wakes me from the deep darkness that has cradled me. Opening my eyes, I find myself staring at the wooden ceiling, the scents of pine, maple, and water surprising me.
I try to piece together what happened after being rejected and banished from Snarling Lox, but all I remember is the darkness that kept me safe—the soft comfort of being passed out and free from pain. I’d thought death had finally come for me and that my battered, beaten body could finally rest.
I didn’t expect to wake up in a comfortable bed, covered by a quilt and surrounded by so many strong scents. I have no wolf—how can I smell the pine and maple trees so strongly?
“Did someone save me?” I whisper to myself, turning my head to find an ope
