Lara was so exhausted that night she slept past sunrise. Even when Shay climbed onto the bed and shook her shoulders with all her tiny strength, Lara did not stir.
After several failed attempts, Shay puffed her cheeks in frustration and stomped out toward the garden.
Morning sunlight spilled across the Zuvel estate, painting the trimmed hedges in pale gold. Near the fountain, Sandro and Midnight were already playing.
Midnight had grown frighteningly fast. What was once a small black wolf pup was now large enough to knock Sandro over whenever he leaped for the ball. His dark fur gleamed like polished obsidian beneath the sun, and his silver eyes followed Sandro with fierce loyalty.
Shay slowed to a stop.
Midnight liked Sandro too much.
The wolf barked excitedly as Sandro laughed and threw the ball again. Midnight sprinted after it instantly, tail swaying wildly.
Shay crossed her arms, jealousy bubbling inside her chest.
"Midnight likes you more," she muttered bitterly.
