Anabel was charmed by Shadow’s inquiries as to her well-being. The winged girl said with a smile, “I was being pretty bored until you showed up. Every day is pretty boring these days, actually. Starfall is so quiet . . . it’s disconcerting. It just feels like we should be at war again, or hearing some big news from another pack. Instead, there’s been nothing.” She watched Shadow catch the rabbit, eyes widening in momentary expression of how impressed she was with the dark wolf’s hunting skill. “I would actually love to. Thank you!” To be honest, Anabel hadn’t eaten yet today. Shadow’s head tilt was absolutely adorable; she sat down with a light thump. “It’s actually a nice day, kind of! Usually, in my old home, the weather wasn’t so good at this time of year, it would get really snowy by now.”

“So draw your knives, ladies, prepare for war. . . .”