I was afraid.
But I didn't have a choice, did I?
Either Raye was dressing me like a doll because I was about to be butchered, or she really meant what she said about a party.
A party where I'd meet my so-called savior, the one who had dragged me from the river and kept me alive.
One way or another, I'd get answers.
"Can we shift?" I asked Leika. I imagined bolting, racing down whatever corridors waited beyond this room, slipping away before anyone could stop me.
If something felt wrong, I would flee on four legs, not two.
"I think we can, but…" Leika's words trailed off.
"But?" I pressed.
She didn't finish, but I knew what she meant. I could feel it too.
Beyond these walls lay wolves, many of them. Their scents bled faintly even through the heavy doors.
Even if I could shift, escape wasn't guaranteed. Not with numbers against me.
Still, the thought of having the option grounded me.
At least we can try, I told myself.
