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Chest still heaving, her nails began to lengthen, hands darkening as they morphed into claws. I scooted back as the rest of the shift happened quickly, a small cry coming from her as her bones contorted and her body became canine. Her clothing ripped, hanging off the wolf’s body. I stared into the eyes of the black and white wolf, fully prepared to shift and defend myself if her wolf mind took over. Instead, there was complete lucidity in her gaze.

“Aura?” I asked, tentatively. I reached out, and at first she didn’t move, but then she stepped closer, nuzzling my hand with her snout.

“Alright, now shift back,” I said, afraid that if she remained in this body for too long without practice, the wolf’s instincts would overshadow hers.

It took a moment, but she shifted back, her tattered dress hanging off her. She was still on her hands and knees, a choked sound coming from her throat as she lowered her head. Her hair cascaded in front of her face, blocking my view.

“Aura?”

Another choked sound. A sob. My heart clenched. Then her shoulders were shaking. I scooted forward and pulled her into my arms. “My whole life has been a lie,” she wept. “Bellatrix, Adelaide, my very existence.”

I stroked her hair. “I’m sorry for everything you’ve been through,” I said.

It was a while before she lifted her head and stared right into my eyes. “Bellatrix can’t get away with what she’s done.”

I shook my head. “No.”

“Revenge will be so sweet.”

I laughed. There she was. We stayed there for a while longer and finally headed inside.

The next day, Magdalena awoke before dusk, and we discussed the plan once again. As we started to prepare for what the night had in store for us, Aura’s gaze kept meandering to mine. “I need to get dressed,” she said, glancing at the clock. In a heartbeat she stood before me, her fingers clenched in my shirt, a strong and claiming grasp that belied the featherlight touch of her lips to mine.

Unspoken promises passed between us, breath for breath, beat for beat. All the moments that whittled down to this one—the caress of her tongue, the heat exuding from her skin, and the thrum of her heart that punctuated the things she didn’t say.

In another time … If we had the chance … Had I known before …

And my heart pounded out the reply: Now is the time … We will have a chance … There was no before.

The salt of her tears pulled my body from the loop of mindless adoration, and I opened my eyes, my thumb sweeping across the apple of her cheek, my lips kissing away the remnants of her tears. Her head tipped back to meet my gaze, eyes disarming, and I could read the remark in the silent seal of her lips.

What a fucking pair we are.

I lowered my forehead to hers, a small huff of laughter shared between us, then she said, “I won’t cower anymore.”

“I know.”

“I have to do this.”

“I know.”

Then a threat. “Say I know one more time.”

I wrapped my arms around her and held her close. “I know,” I whispered against her crown.

Aurelia Nygaard was a vision in red and black lace as she stood outside the cottage. Her black and white tresses cascaded over her back and shoulders, as untamable as she was. The color had returned to her cheeks, the gold flecks in her eyes appearing more vibrant than usual. I helped her into the carriage, though she complained she didn’t need help, and I sidled in beside her.

Magdalena drove as she had before.

As the carriage rocked over dirt and grass, Aura and I stared at each other. “The last time we were in here,” I started.

“Stop that.”

I laughed, and though she kept a serious face, the sparkle in her eyes was unmistakable.

“What are you going to do after this?” she asked me.

“I would like to—” I hesitated, not sure how she would handle it. “I would like to give Clover the opportunity to leave the Zilveren pack. As soon as you expose your mother, and I see you’re safe, I’d like to head to Sublune Creek. But I’ll be back.”