Chapter 65

Wolfaraine's hands gripped the chair-arms tighter. "In July, on a bright summer day, I set out to the non-changeling world again. My ten-year-old sister was waiting for me at the Wild Forest..." A pause. A tight swallow. "...I was surprised to see her there. I told her to go back but she refused."

"Aila has always been sheltered by the pack and my own family. Everybody loves her because she's a very lovable child." His voice took on a light tone like he can remember this past, "Even when I was young, I wasn't all easygoing and carefree like other pack children, but I had a very soft spot for Aila. It was so visible...everyone knows. No one messes with Aila, not even when pack-children are playing. That person will have to go through me first."

A small smile ghosted Ismena's lips. "I can understand that very much, and I'm sure everyone else can too. You're her big brother...of course, you love her that fiercely. It's like that for me and Tina, my little sister, too."

A lightness wa