Snow fell quietly over the battlefield.
Only hours ago, the clearing had been filled with violence—wolves clashing, claws tearing through the frozen ground, the air thick with the scent of blood and fury.
Now it was silent.
Too silent.
Lila stood near the edge of the clearing, her breath forming small clouds in the cold air. The wind had settled, but the strange energy inside her still pulsed like a heartbeat.
It hadn’t faded since the battle.
If anything, it felt stronger.
“You’re thinking again.”
Darian’s voice came from behind her.
She didn’t turn right away.
“You say that every time I’m quiet.”
“Because every time you’re quiet, you’re worrying.”
He stepped beside her.
The bond between them warmed instantly, easing some of the tension in her chest.
She finally looked at hi
