Episode 1

The hottest club in Tannor, Lanus—that's what everyone says. Here I am, turning 19, and somehow my friends have dragged me to this place. Clubbing isn't my thing; I'm not into drinking either. I'd rather be curled up with a good book or binge-watching a series, but my friends, they're different...

"Come on, Ava," my friend Michele beckons, standing by the club's entrance. She must have used her pixie charms to trick the bouncer, who I can tell by the scent is human.

Let me introduce myself. I'm Ava Magnus, a 19-year-old from a family of white wolves in the Northern Pack. My father, Austin Magnus, is the grandmaster—kind of like the city's mayor—and my mother, Adelia Magnus, is one of the elders. They're both white wolves, and me? Well, I haven't become anything yet. No transformation to speak of. Not yet. My grandmother has always said it would happen in the mist, but I've never seen it, even when it rolled through last year. That's why some in our community see me as a nuisance, a soulless one. But I feel it's there... inside me.

"Ava... What are you drinking?" Michele interrupts my thoughts.

"Water," I say, earning an eye roll before she heads to the bar.

"Here, drink this—and no questions," she orders, handing me a glass. I can't identify the contents, but it smells like a high-proof cocktail with ginger and... apple?

"Just drink it, Ava. Don't be a party pooper."

Reluctantly, I sip and feel a jolt surge through my body. I'm not much of a drinker—in fact, I never drink—and I know this will hit me hard. Michele just laughs and heads back to the bar for more.

"Let's hit the dance floor. The guys are about to arrive," she says, dragging me along. I've never danced before; I'm clueless about what to do. I watch everyone moving effortlessly, while I stand stiffly, unsure of how to join in.

"Do it like this," Michele shows me.

"Sure," I respond, loosening up as it is my birthday and the mists return in ten days. Michele floats like a feather on the dance floor while I feel as stiff as a rock. Eventually, the guys show up: Adam, a white wolf and Michele's boyfriend, and Dustin, a childhood friend and cheetah.

"Happy birthday, Ava!" Adam gives me a bear hug. "You owe us a round."

"It's my birthday, remember... But thanks."

"Happy birthday, groundhog," Dustin teases as he hugs me.

"Thanks... Love you guys."

"We're dancing!" Michele shouts, and we're swept up in the rhythm of the music. I'm awkward, but after being plied with drinks, I start to move with the beat. I might not be great, but I'm feeling lighter—a rare moment of peace. If Michele's concoction has a spell in it that gives me a hangover, she's in trouble... Suddenly, my body tingles; a headache mounts, and my instincts sharpen. On the dance floor, I freeze. The alcohol's effect vanishes.

Michele's in Adam's arms, and Dustin's sidled up to a woman who smells distinctly of lynx. Something unsettles me, sending tremors through me. I need a moment. I tell Michele I'm headed for the restroom. My reflection in the mirror reassures me nothing's wrong, but then a heady unknown fragrance hooks me. I steady myself against the sink, overwhelmed and confused, until I dash out of the bathroom. The autumn chill greets me as I exit the club into the cold.

I meander, lost in thought, and end up in an alley with no recollection of my journey. Turning to go back, a shadow startles me. Vulnerable without my wolf or my powers and unable to distinguish if the figure is supernatural or human, I brace myself.

"Who are you... What do you want?"

"Shh, little dog... It'll be over soon," he promises, sending shivers and an ominous twist inside me. His speed is too much; I can't escape, I can't even scream. He whispers foreign words, and I understand just two: 'death' and 'dominance.' Darkness begins to eclipse me.

"No... no... no..." His voice fades as he releases me, and I collapse, hitting my head, consciousness slipping away.

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