Confrontation

The crisp morning air nipped at my face as I made my way across the frost-covered courtyard. My breath formed small clouds in front of me, dissipating quickly in the chill. I shoved my gloved hands into the deep pockets of my borrowed coat, not accustomed to this level of cold. All around, pack members bustled about their morning routines, their movements precise and practiced, obviously unaffected by the temperature. I felt like a lone oak leaf in a sea of winter pines – out of place and struggling to find my footing.

"Ailith!" Devin's cheerful voice cut through the quiet murmur of activity. She bounded over, her silver hair catching the early sunlight. "Ready for your first official day of pack duties?"

I managed a small smile, grateful for her enthusiasm. "As ready as I'll ever be, I suppose. What's on the agenda?"

Devin's blue eyes sparkled with excitement. "Well, Sin has assigned you to help with rotating the food stores today. It's important work – we need to make sure everything