Freda Pov
I waited until the pack house was completely quiet before I snuck out. Most wolves were sleeping, but some were still awake. Guards patrolling. Night shift workers, people who stayed up late.
I had to be careful not to be seen. Urdon had given orders that I was not to leave the house at night. Too dangerous with Yolande growing stronger. But this was too important. I had to be there for the ritual.
I wrapped a dark cloak around myself and pulled the hood up to hide my face. Then I slipped out through a side door that the servants used. Nobody was watching that entrance.
The night air was cold, and I shivered despite the cloak. The moon was high and bright overhead. Not quite full yet, but close. In a few more days, it would be full, and the mating rites would begin.
If we were still alive by then.
I walked quickly across the pack grounds, staying in the shadows. My knee still hurts from the cut, but I ignored the pain. I had to keep moving.
