Page 72 of The Moonborn's Curse

He had appeared shortly after she returned from the healer's building, just outside the conservatory, never too close, never gone for long.

At first, she had been wary.

But then she realized — it was always the same wolf.

Slim and juvenile...almost an adult.

Blue eyes cool, intelligent, curious.

Veyr.

She didn't know how she knew.

She just did.

He had been there when she opened her eyes in the healer's building.

He had followed her on her walks, never speaking, just watching.

And somehow — she wasn't afraid of him.

What she didn't know—

Was that a second shadow trailed her movements from afar.

A larger wolf.

Fur a shade of aged mahogany. Silent. Still.

Watching her through the glass of the attic window at night when she read by the light of the moon.

Tracking her from a distance when she wandered too deep into the woods.

He never got close.

But he never strayed far.

That afternoon, she perched on a branch, her legs swinging freely, camera slung over one shoulder.

Below her, a magpie tilted its head inquisitively on a stump. A red squirrel flicked its tail, posing with practised grace.

She'd known the grey wolf was following.

He always was.

She didn't turn her head, but she could feel his eyes.

She lowered her camera and said aloud—

"I know you're there."

Silence.

"Stop following me."

Still no answer.

She looked over her shoulder.

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