The forest was alive with shadows. The full moon painted every leaf, every stone, every breath of air in silver fire. Somewhere between the trees, a white blur darted like lightning, Lyra. Her paws pounded the earth, every stride more powerful than the last, glowing fur rippling under the moonlight as if the heavens themselves had crafted her from light.
But Kael was right behind her.
In his wolf form, his massive black-and-green frame tore through the undergrowth, muscles coiled with unrelenting force. Each step was a thunderclap against the soil, the ground trembling beneath his weight. He was not faster than her, no, the royal Whitestone blood gave her unnatural speed but he was steadier, stronger, more controlled.
His emerald eyes locked on her as she turned, lips curling into a sna
