Swiftcurrent Creek Hey December, guess I'm feeling unmoored.

More and more, Mae thought about leaving Swiftcurrent Creek. She thought about setting off on her own, seeing the valley, seeing the world. Akavir always seemed to place his attention elsewhere, and Arric had been distracted lately, too. Her brothers were so scarce that she hardly knew if they were even around anymore.

So what did that leave her?

A pack filled with strangers. She happened to cross the trail of one of the newest, unaware of their true relation, and nearly turned away — but something stopped her. Instead Mae continued on her path until she was passing by the pale wolf lying at the water's edge. When she was about to pass him, she hesitated; lingering, studying him. After a moment, she snorted. He seemed familiar somehow, though she'd never seen him before. And that struck her as odd.