The danger came faster than thought, and closer than feared.
I didn't make it to breakfast.
The attack happened between my dorm and the dining hall, in that stretch of path where old trees created deep shadows even in daylight.
Three of them. Students I recognized vaguely from advanced combat classes. All bigger than me, all moving with coordinated precision that screamed planned ambush.
My wolf surged the instant they appeared, screaming danger before my conscious mind caught up.
The first one came from the left, fast and low. I twisted, barely avoiding the tackle that would have driven me into the ground. Used his momentum against him, shoved him past me into the second attacker.
They collided hard. Satisfying crunch of impact.
But the third was already moving, coming from behind while I was focused forward.
His fist connected with my shoulder, spinning me around. Pain exploded down my arm, but I rolled with it, creating distance.
