The tension in our dorm room was suffocating. Jennie paced nervously by the window while Derek and Tyler whispered in hushed tones near the door. I sat on my bed, trying to make sense of everything happening.
"Davina," I called silently to my wolf. "Tell me about the Shadow Wolves. What are they, really?"
I felt her unease before she answered. "They're abominations, Aria. Regular wolves twisted by dark magic into something... wrong. They become puppets, controlled by whoever performed the ritual."
"But who would do such a thing?"
"Someone powerful. Someone evil." Davina's voice grew darker. "The process breaks not just their bodies, but their spirits. It's considered one of the worst crimes in our world – to strip a wolf of its free will."
A shiver ran down my spine. "How do you fight them?"
"You don't," she replied firmly. "They're stronger than normal wolves, faster, and they feel no pain. Leave this to Kaine and the guards."