CHAPTER 1

ILANA.

I sighed, battling to lift the burden of the wicker basket, my feeble arms shaking as I plodded down the slim dirt trail. The cool autumn breeze provided minimal wind, and sweat was pouring down everywhere. Even the vegetables inside felt like they weighed a ton and became heavier with each step. As I approached the pack kitchens, my mind drifted—desperate for anything to divert attention from the soreness in my muscles. 

  Abruptly, the boisterous laughter of werewolves shattered my haze. I looked up to notice a group rushing down the trail, their laughter loud and unrestrained. My stomach contracted and I automatically moved aside to dodge their rough play, clutching my basket more firmly, but the way was too slim. 

  One of them bumped against my shoulder as he walked by, causing me to trip and drop the basket from my grasp. The vegetables fell out, spreading across the dusty road. 

  “Hello! Watch where you're going!” I yelled out to them, my irritation boiling over. 

  The werewolves continued without pause. They didn't look back at all. Their laughter echoed in the distance, a painful reminder of how insignificant I was in their realm, in their pack. 

  I exhaled deeply, crouching to pick up the vegetables. "Just typical jerks," I grumbled. Being a human among a pack of werewolves served as a continual reminder of how I didn't belong.

  I had no supernatural power, no enhanced senses, and no link to the pack's united bond. I was an outsider in every significant aspect. It wasn't always this way—there was a period when my parents were alive, a time when I experienced a sense of belonging. However, that ended years back. At that moment, I was by myself. 

  I remained standing, dusting off the dirt from the vegetables before placing them back into the basket. I continued to the kitchens, dropping off the basket silently. 

 As I made my way towards the human dorms, familiar buzz greeted me: there was a crowd gathered around Yeto, the cheerful pack mailman, who stood at the entrance to the dormitory and handed out the letters. His voice sounded above the chatter, calling out names.

 "Susan! A letter for you!" He called, handing a letter to a redhead who snatched it greedily and squealed to her friends, "It's my brother from the army!"

 I kept my head down, as I always did during mail distribution. I never received anything anyway, and lingering would only draw attention and make it awkward. 

  "Ilana!"

 The sound of my name stopped me in my tracks. I turned, startled, to see Yeto waving an envelope in the air.

  “This one’s for you!” he said with a grin.

  “For me?” I frowned, my voice tinged with disbelief.

  “Yes, you.” Yeto chuckled, thrusting the letter toward me.

 I hesitantly approached and took it. The envelope was simple but neat, the handwriting on the front unfamiliar. My heart fluttered with curiosity and nerves.

 "Thanks," I muttered, turning back and making my way quickly to my room.

 I sat inside on the edge of my bed, the envelope upon my lap. For a moment or so, I just stared at it as if almost scared to open it. Who could be writing to me? Finally, I tore the seal and unfolded the letter inside.

 ---

 Dear Ilana,

 I have thought of you so many times over the years. It seems like a lifetime since we last spoke, and I hope this letter finds you well.

 I am writing with wonderful news; I just had my first pup, a boy named Orion. He is beautiful, healthy, and already the center of my world.

I'm living in the Nightshade Pack now, on an island called Aethel. It's a weird and wonderful place, and I just can't help but wish you were here to see it.

I'd love for you to come to Orion's Newling Ceremony. It's a big deal, and having you here would mean everything to me. Please say you'll come. I miss you more than words can express.

With all my love,

Rana

—

I read the letter twice, my hands shaking. Rana. My cousin and best friend from childhood. It all came back from hours playing in the woods, our whispering secrets by the fire, and the sorrow at which Rana had left Greenwood when her parents decided to move elsewhere.

I clutched the letter to my chest, tears blurring my vision. Rana wanted me to come. After years of feeling invisible, of being adrift, someone was reaching out—a lifeline.

But the joy was quickly followed by hesitation. Nightshade Pack was no ordinary place. I'd heard stories about Aethel, the misty island where it was always nighttime, the sun never rising. And its Alpha, Lysander, was infamous. Ruthless and powerful, he ruled his pack with an iron fist.

  Could I really leave the familiarity of Greenwood for such a place?

I shook my head, trying to dispel the doubt. Rana needed me. That was what mattered.

I grabbed a piece of paper, some ink, and a quill-my hand steady as I wrote my reply.

---

Dear Rana,

Your letter was a gift I didn't know I needed. I'm so happy for you and your family-congratulations on little Orion!

I would be very honored to attend his Newling Ceremony. It's been far too long, and I have missed you more than words can say. I shall start making arrangements to travel to Aethel immediately.

Thank you for thinking of me. I look forward with bated breath to seeing you again.

With love,

Ilana

---

Folding the letter, I tucked it into an envelope and hurried back toward the entrance of the dorm. Yeto was still there, sorting through the last of the mail.

 "Can you make sure this gets to Rana in the Nightshade Pack?" I asked, handing him the envelope.

 Yeto raised an eyebrow. "Nightshade, huh? That's a distance, but as you wish."

"Thanks," I replied and went inside.

Back in my room, I sat on the bed, my mind racing with plans. I opened my small wooden box of savings and counted the coins. Just enough for the journey and a few changes more.

I would have to pack well warm clothes, provisions, and perhaps a small gift for Orion. My heart was already feeling lighter with every thought that crossed my mind. For the first time in years, I had something to look forward to.

Whatever awaited me in Nightshade-endless night, a fearsome Alpha, or the unknown I knew one thing, I would get there, rumors and fears be damned.

I was doing it for Rana. And I was doing it for myself.