“Thanks. Anyway, my island is covered in huge green plants and big-ass flowers. Oh, and bugs,” he added in a grumble. “And we’ve got beautiful beaches, too.”

  The only beaches I knew were the rocky kind, where your paws could slip on the treacherous wet surfaces. “We tend to avoid those,” I explained. “It’s dangerous to walk on the rocks.”

  Violet’s eyes widened. “Rocks? You don’t have sandy beaches?”

  “Why would sand be on a beach? I’ve only seen it mixed with dirt underground,” Sorrel mused.

  Our mutual confusion made Violet chuckle. “Man, you guys are missing out. I should take you back home sometime and show you a real beach.”

  As soon as he said the words, my heart soared.

  Take us back home... Did he really mean that? I dared to believe him. My imagination unfurled a vision of a fully healed Violet stretching his wings and taking to the sky, free to go where he pleased, gracious enough to bring us with him...

  But as my hopes rose, Sorrel shook his head vehemently.

  “No way,” he said, planting his paws firmly on the ground. “I’m not going anywhere. My clan needs me.”

  My hopes fell back down to earth and shattered. Reality was an icy splash of water drowning my dreams. Of course Sorrel disagreed. He wouldn’t even consider the suggestion. He was too obsessed with Konrad’s approval to think of anything else.

  “Besides, Poppy,” Sorrel continued, turning a stern glance at me. “Your duty assignment is coming up fast.”

  The grin disappeared from Violet’s face. “Duty assignment?”

  Sorrel spoke up proudly. “When omegas are old enough, the clan alpha assigns their duties. That’s their job forever, and it’s really important for us to do well.”

  The spines on Violet’s long neck lifted, reminding me of a wolf’s hackles. His eyes were sharper now. “Why does an alpha assign your duties? Why don’t you get to decide?”

  Sorrel laughed like it was the funniest thing he’d ever heard. “C’mon, that makes no sense. Konrad’s our alpha. Don’t you understand how important that is?”

  “I’m an alpha, too,” Violet said in a low tone. “What’s that have to do with anything?”

  I blinked, turning my surprised gaze on the dragon. I knew he was a fellow shifter, but I hadn’t even considered that possibility. He didn’t act like any alpha I’d known. He didn’t talk down to me, and he didn’t treat me like a fool. I felt disoriented by this sudden knowledge, like the entire planet had tilted.

  Sorrel kept arguing. “No, you don’t get it. Konrad’s our clan alpha. He’s the leader, he makes all the decisions. It’s a huge responsibility, so he’s doing us a favor by making sure nobody makes mistakes.” He faced me. “Anyway, Poppy’s really excited, right?”

  My stomach churned, but I gave a stiff nod. “I’ll get my assignment any day now,” I agreed, dodging his real question.

  As if struck by arrows, I felt the sudden burn of Violet’s piercing gaze. It sent a shiver rippling down my fur. It was intense, the sensation almost physical. The dragon radiated raw power in a way I’d never felt before.

  And for once, I wasn’t afraid of it.

  Daring to meet his gaze, I lifted my face. Our eyes met. His irises were a vivid, severe shade of purple, like the darkest shade of a striking sunset.

  But like a sunset, it was painful to look at for too long. The beauty never lasted. It was fleeting, a momentary reprieve before the cold, harsh night to come.

  The spell broke when Violet’s gaze flicked back to Sorrel. I released my held breath. I felt shaken, and I didn’t understand why.

  “And what about you, kid?” Violet asked.

  “I’m not a kid,” Sorrel grumbled. “I’m—well, I’m not supposed to get my assignment for another few years, but...”

  My ear twitched. But what? There were no buts. He wasn’t old enough, period.

  “Right now, focus on hunting,” I told Sorrel quietly. “Don’t think so far ahead.”

  Being a hunter was the best chance he had at a good life. I didn’t want to think of him getting a worse position, like a basic chore worker, but the ‘better’ alternative was something I’d rather not imagine, either.

  “You need help hunting?” Violet asked.

  His offer dissolved the uneasy atmosphere. I preferred having a concrete task to focus on.

  “We’re trying to catch hares,” I explained.

  “For Konrad,” Sorrel chimed in.

  Violet’s eyes narrowed slightly for a second before returning to normal. “Over there. I see one nibbling on a twig. I’ll stay still and pretend to be a big rock. You guys chase it in my direction, then I’ll catch it.”

  “But you’re hurt,” I pointed out. I didn’t want his injuries to worsen by helping us.

  Violet snorted. “C’mon, Poppy, I’m not dead. I can still move enough to catch a hare.”

  My heart warmed. I felt safe when he said my name, and the kindness of his words touched me.

  “All right,” I conceded. “Sorrel, let’s use the funnel formation.”

  “Right. Uh... what is that, again?”

  I explained as we rounded behind the hare. We crouched low to the ground—thankfully, Sorrel paid attention and followed my lead—and crept up close before launching at it. I knew neither of us were fast enough to catch a hare at full sprint, but as it bolted in Violet’s direction, I felt a flash of hope. It was too panicked to recognize the unfamiliar shape of a completely still dragon. Seconds later, Violet swiped with precision. His claws swiftly dispatched our prey.

  “Violet, you did it!” I cried, bounding over to him.

  He grinned. “You guys did most of the work. Here, kid.” He pushed the hare towards Sorrel, who grabbed it eagerly. It was a nice big one that barely fit in his jaws.

  “Konrad’s gonna be so happy,” Sorrel exclaimed through a mouth full of fur.

  My moment of joy quieted. Once more, it all circled back to our clan alpha. At least for Sorrel.

  As worry crept over me like a fog, I felt Violet’s gaze on me again, but I didn’t look back to meet it. I was too caught up in my thoughts, and dreading our return to camp. The idea twisted my stomach. I just wanted to stay here with Violet, where everything felt safe. I wanted to accept his offer to fly us away to his strange warm island.

  But as long as we belonged to the tundra clan, that future was nothing but a dream.

  Sorrel dropped the hare long enough to speak properly. “It’s getting dark. We should head back.”

  It was barely mid-afternoon, but that meant nothing to the winter sun. Sorrel was correct. Konrad would get suspicious if we took too long to return. The last thing I wanted was for him to hunt us down and discover Violet. I doubted he’d appreciate the dragon’s presence.

  “I already asked once, but... you’ll come back eventually, right?” Violet asked, staring into my eyes.

  The individual hairs on my neck shivered. “Yes, I will. As soon as I can,” I promised.

  “Thanks for the help,” Sorrel said before picking up the hare. He swished his tail, summoning me.

  I wanted to stay. But I had no choice but to leave.

  My throat felt hoarse from talking for so long. I sipped the hot chocolate Taylor had so kindly made for me. I was terrible at hiding my emotions, so when I walked back into the kitchen with a sullen expression, my friends immediately knew something was wrong.

  After my impromptu babysitting duties had ended, the parents thanked me and collected their kids. When I was free, Taylor and Alaric pulled me aside to the quiet living room.

  Sensing my bad mood, Muzo tagged along for moral support. The others quickly caught him up to speed on my story so far. I was grateful that I didn’t have to repeat it all over again, but hearing it summed up in someone else’s words made it feel surreal. Like a bad dream.

  Except for the four of us, the room was empty. My final words lingered in the air for a few silent beats. Then Alaric spoke up.

  “How do you feel, Poppy?” he asked. He sat on the couch across from me, cradling a hot tea in his palms.

  “I’m okay,” I said. “I can keep going. I just need a minute.”

  “You sure?” Muzo asked, his brow furrowed in concern.

  I nodded. “I’m sure.”

  Taylor and Muzo sat flanking me on the couch. The tiger omega gave me a long, hard look, gauging my true feelings. But it really was how I felt.

  I met Taylor’s gaze with enough determination that he sighed and conceded.

  “All right,” he said. “We’re listening, Poppy. But if you need to stop, or take a break—”

  “Or need a snack, or something,” Muzo interjected.

  “Or another drink,” Alaric added, raising his mug.

  “—then we’ll drop everything to get it for you. Deal?” Taylor finished.

  Their compassion warmed my soul. None of them had to sit here listening to my tale drag on and on. They could’ve been with their mates and children, or having fun with a hobby, or even relaxing on the beach beneath the sun. Instead, they chose to be here with me. I didn’t take that for granted.

  “Thank you,” I murmured. I took a sip of my hot chocolate, a sweet reminder that I was safe here in the present, then closed my eyes. “Ah. Where was I...”

  We returned to the clan right on time. Konrad was pleased enough by Sorrel’s offering that he didn’t remark on the fact that we were nearly late. But that didn’t make me feel any better. If anything, Konrad’s shower of praise on my brother only twisted the dull knife into my stomach harder.

  I spent the night mired in my own thoughts, their directions torn into two. Half of me was deeply concerned about Sorrel, but the other half couldn’t stop thinking about Violet. An alpha dragon... He was so novel and fascinating, a man unlike anybody I’d ever met before. He almost didn’t feel real. But he was. I’d touched him with my nose and memorized his scent. He was tangible. A real person.

  That night I lay in my cramped cot, restless and unable to fall asleep. Viol’s offer to fly us away repeated in my mind. Was he joking, or did he truly mean it? I spent all night bouncing the possibilities back and forth—the highest of hopes versus gut-wrenching despair.

  My mind wasn’t any clearer the following morning. The lack of sleep jumbled my thoughts further and I plodded through my daily routine in a daze.

  “Poppy.”

  Konrad’s voice hit me like a slap. I hadn’t realized how unfocused I was until he stood right next to me, blocking the morning sun with his massive body.

  “Y-yes?” I said, standing to attention.

  “It’s time.”

  That was all he said. He let the words sink in, then strode purposefully away.

  My knees weakened, but I forced myself to stay upright. I wouldn’t buckle. I would accept my purpose and position, my fate in the tundra clan.

  And yet, even now, I couldn’t stop thinking about Violet. I wished he was here. The idea of him secretly watching gave me a pathetic morsel of hope. It was embarrassing, but I clung to it like a mouse dangling over a chasm. The fantasy was all I had.

  Konrad summoned the clan. It was time for my duty assignment.

  Sorrel bounced beside me, his tail wagging non-stop. “This is so exciting! What d’you think you’re gonna be assigned? No, wait, don’t tell me. I want it to be a surprise.”

  The list of options for omegas wasn’t long. In order of importance and rank, it went: chore worker, guard, hunter, fighter, and finally, the greatest honor: child-bearer.

  My fatigue was quickly stripped away by my frayed nerves. I nearly jumped out of my skin as a polar bear sauntered close and sat beside me, but I relaxed when I recognized Rorik.

  “Good luck,” Rorik said to me, a loose smile playing on his lips.

  “You, too,” I murmured.

  As Konrad took his place in the center, a silent hush fell around the gathered shifters. Everybody hung on his next breath.

  “Today, three young omegas will receive their assignments,” Konrad announced.

  Me and Rorik were givens, I assumed. We were adults now, and ready to contribute. Aside from the two of us, there were a couple omegas around our age. Across the crowd, I saw Charon, another polar bear omega. He sat up straighter, eager to receive his assignment. Although Charon was older than Sorrel, the two were friends who often spent their free time together. At least, they used to before Sorrel took an interest in Konrad...

  I pushed the thought away.

  “Rorik,” Konrad boomed.

  Rorik’s dense fur bristled as he stood to attention. He looked confident, without a hint of nerves. I wished I could be that brave, so certain...

  “You are now a fighter,” Konrad declared. “Congratulations.”

  The crowd indulged in a moderate cheer. Rorik nodded as he accepted the assignment in stride. Nobody was surprised. He was a massive bear, nearly rivalling Konrad in size, and he excelled at taking orders. He’d be a fine fighter.

  Konrad focused his black beady gaze on me and called out, “Poppy.”

  My blood chilled in my veins. All eyes swivelled in my direction. Determined not to buckle, I willed my fur to stay fluffed so it wouldn’t flatten against my skinny body. It would only make me look smaller and weaker.

  Be brave, I told myself.

  I forced my gaze up to meet Konrad’s as he spoke my destiny into existence.

  “Hunter.”

  The word brushed past my face like a cold wind.

  A hunter. Middle of the road. Nothing special, but nothing bad, either. A perfectly respectable outcome.

  And yet, I felt nothing. The dread stagnating in my stomach still coated my ribs like slime. I had no pride in my newfound position, and no hope for my future.

  “Congratulations,” Rorik said over the crowd’s mild excitement.

  I felt empty. “Thanks.”

  Despite my lack of emotion, my body relaxed. With my assignment over, I knew what I had—and didn’t have—to look forward to. At the very least, it gave me a weak goal. After Charon or whichever omega received their assignment, I’d start my life as a hunter.

  Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. Hunting meant a degree of freedom other omegas weren’t allowed. I could traverse the fields, the hills, even the rocky beaches. I was free to feel the wind in my fur and the earth beneath my paws.

  Most importantly, it meant I could still visit Violet. Would it be long before he recovered? I could offer to hunt for him in secret to help boost his strength. Then maybe when he was healthy he could—

  “And finally, Sorrel.”

  My thoughts crashed to a halt.

  What did Konrad just say?

  I slowly turned to face my younger brother. His expression was awestruck. He stared at Konrad, utterly still with shock.

  I hadn’t heard incorrectly. Everyone in the clan pinned their eyes on my brother. Rorik’s brow furrowed in confusion, and Charon’s eyes were wide as moons.

  The clan alpha’s beady gaze glittered down at Sorrel. “Surprised?” Konrad asked with a chuckle.

  Sorrel nodded. I couldn’t move a muscle.

  Konrad raised his head, standing proud on his platform. “Don’t be. You’ve proven yourself to be a loyal and brave omega, wise beyond your years.”

  A shiver of dread shot across my pelt.

  “You have unimaginable potential,” Konrad continued. “Perhaps more so than any omega I’ve met...”

  A pit opened beneath me. I began to sink, trapped in a callous bog apathetic to my struggles.

  “And so, due to your dedication to me and the tundra clan, I bestow upon you the title of—”

  The blood in my veins turned to ice.

  This could not be happening.

  “Child-bearer,” Konrad finished.

  The crowd was silent. The occasion called for cheers, but they held back. For the first time, it felt like someone else was experiencing a fraction of my despair. For once, I wasn’t alone in seeing the dark cloud.

  This was not right.

  But then the cheers came. Quiet and uneasy at first, then louder and brighter until the air rang with their congratulations.

  Even Rorik cheered, but quietly. Across the crowd, Charon looked dismayed, yet joined in anyway. Neither could stop the rising tide of approval.

  My ears hurt. So did my chest. I breathed harder, pushing past the painful tightness in my throat.

  I had to say something. I wasn’t eloquent. I wasn’t brave, or good at speaking, or confident in front of a crowd. But for my brother’s sake, I had to say something, or else I’d have to live with this sick feeling forever.

  Standing on all four paws, I stared straight at Konrad and yelled over the cheers: “He’s not old enough!”

  I understood the crowd’s abrupt, horrified silence. Nobody argued with Konrad. Nobody. But especially not a young omega freshly assigned his duty. He was well within his right to strip my new title away and shove me down the hierarchy until I was the clan pariah, the lowest of the low.

  Konrad let out an easy laugh that calmed the crowd. “Of course, Poppy. That’s obvious.”

  What? I thought.

  Konrad spoke in slow, calm words. “I know that. I figured you were smart enough to know it, too.”

  I swayed on my paws, disoriented. What was going on? Had I misheard him earlier? Did my brain lie just to have a concrete reason to distrust our clan alpha?

  Suddenly, I felt a sharp, burning glare on the side of my head. Sorrel was shooting daggers at me. His ears flicked forward aggressively, and his lip curled above his front teeth. He was enraged.

  His furious expression knocked the wind out of me, but I stayed grounded. I couldn’t drop the topic until I knew the truth—the full truth.

  It took all my courage to speak up a second time. “I’m sorry, but I don’t understand,” I replied, my voice beginning to tremble. It was bad enough I’d caused a scene. Now I couldn’t even speak steadily? I was pathetic.

  “Why announce it now? Why not wait until he’s older?” I asked.

  My question felt perfectly reasonable until it hung in the air for a few long, silent moments. Discomfort crept over my pelt like marching ants. Then I began to doubt myself. Was something wrong with my hearing, or did I completely misunderstand Konrad’s words?