Zoya looked with sadness at Horizon. She couldn’t imagine losing her entire family. Many of them were gone, but . . . some still remained in the land of the living. Polaris, Irina, Aemma, Primrose, Enif, Sergei, and Rambaldi. The realm had not spoken a word of Zoya’s sister Ksenia or niece Nanala for a very long time, and she knew Marigold had died . . . murdered by Drekistone’s since-overthrown Lion Queen - Cersei.
“I would like that very much.” The girl’s eyes glistened with unshed wistful tears as she stared at Horizon. “It . . . would feel good not to be so lonely.” Zoya’s voice splintered, giving way. She couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be loved and valued, to be part of a pack.

“We could’ve been anywhere, anywhere else!”