CHAPTER EIGHTY SIX - THE FAVORITE CHILD

Dressed in simple brown robes adorned with intricate leaf patterns, she exuded an air of vibrant energy that seemed to clash with the somber atmosphere of the forest. As she rose to her feet, her eyes, a startling shade of emerald green, sparkled with amusement. "Zaya! Karina! Took you long enough!" she called out, her voice filled with a joyful lilt. Zaya chuckled, shaking her head in mock exasperation. "Always the dramatic entrance, Nancy. What did we tell you about leaving without informing anyone?" Nancy simply grinned, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "But where's the fun in that?" She then did something that left Karina speechless. With a nimble leap, Nancy landed gracefully on the back of a massive silver wolf that materialized from behind the oak tree. The creature, its fur shimmering with an otherworldly sheen, let out a low growl, its amber eyes fixed on Karina. "Don't worry, lass," Nancy said, her voice still cheerful. "Shadow won't bite… unless I tell him to." Karina