Lara stepped out of the infirmary, her brothers falling into step behind her. The heavy door groaned shut, muffling the smell of herbs and the faint moans of the wounded. Outside, the air felt cooler, tinged with the fragrance of damp stone and the distant rustle of leaves.
She led them through the dimly lit corridor until the space opened into the castle garden. Moonlight spilled across trimmed hedges and pale blossoms, painting the night with silver. Pausing, Lara pressed two fingers to her lips and let out a sharp, lilting whistle.
Moments later, Grey and Snow came bounding through the shadows, their eyes glinting and tails lashing in eager rhythm. The wolves circled her, nuzzling her hands, their warm breath visible in the chill air.
