The Whisperer: The Children of Light Book One

In her fourteenth year, Felindra, becomes aware of a strange ability; she realizes she can sense the thoughts and feelings of animals. When the Dark Brethren attack the Duchy of Trethawynd, her father is forced to take his family away from their quiet village and go to live at the Monastery of the League of Light. On the journey, she finds out many things about her family that had been hidden from her and her brother until now. Her father is the Commander the League of Light. Her parents also reveal to her that they are mages of the League, and her ability is called Whispering, a very rare and prized gift.
During their journey through the Great Forest to the Monastery, she saves the life of a female wolf, and the pair become inseparable. Felindra and the wolf Ashala play significant roles in the conflict with the Dark Brethren, encountering many dangers and coming close to losing their lives, but Felindra never loses her faith, trusting that the Light will guide and protect them.