Episode 26

The forest seemed to hold its breath, the ancient trees leaning in as if eager to witness the confrontation. Alicia’s pulse throbbed in her temples, her wolf instincts urging her to bare her teeth and attack. But she held back, her anger simmering beneath the surface.

Julie’s eyes were wide, her pupils dilated. She was a delicate creature, all silver hair and moon-kissed skin, but Alicia knew better; she knew that behind that beauty was evil. Julie was a survivor, a cunning wolf who had navigated the treacherous politics of their pack with finesse. She had always known Julie would betray, but she had tried so hard to convince herself that would change her. But she was wrong. And now, here they were, standing in the heart of the forest, their fates entwined like the gnarled roots beneath their feet.

“Alicia,” Julie whispered, her voice barely audible. “What are you doing here?”

Alicia’s fingers curled into fists. “Don’t play innocent with me, Julia. I know what you’ve done. How could y