Chapter 170

NATALIE’S POV I had never been the type to question kindness, especially when it came wrapped in a smile and warm gestures. So when Jannie had asked me to meet her in the forest that evening, promising a surprise, I didn’t hesitate. She’d been so nice lately. She had been sweet and supportive to me so far. I had no reason to think otherwise about her. She listened to me, laughed with me, even defended me once in front of a pack member who mocked me subtly. She felt like a friend. And honestly, I needed one. “I’ll show you something beautiful,” she had said earlier that afternoon. Her fingers brushed my arm lightly. “Something I think you’ll really love. Just meet me near the birch tree at the east end of the woods, just before dusk.” And so I went. The air was cooler out there, and I could see the setting sun through the leaves. I followed the path she had described, deeper and deeper, until I reached the bench she mentioned. But the spot was quiet, too quiet. No sign of Jannie. I wait