(Caius)
The wolves of Ashcrest were beginning to understand that she would never belong beneath them again. I watched the realization move through the territory little by little while we crossed the courtyard together. Nobody looked through her anymore. Nobody acted like she could be pushed aside or forgotten. Good. That was how it should've been from the beginning.
Isla stayed quiet beside me for several more moments before finally speaking. "I want to practice shifting."
My attention shifted toward her fully. "Practice?"
She nodded once. "I don't want it to hurt every time."
"It won't," I said quietly.
Her eyes searched mine for a moment. "I know the first time was hard," I continued. "But your wolf's awake now." I held her gaze calmly. "It'll get easier."
Some of the tension left
