Aria stared at the chilling message carved into the wolf’s body, her breath catching in her throat. The metallic tang of blood filled the air, mingling with the earthy scent of the forest. Around her, the pack members murmured in hushed tones, their fear palpable.
“She’s next.”
The words etched into the lifeless wolf’s side burned into Aria’s mind. Who was the “she”? The answer felt obvious, but the implication sent a chill down her spine.
“Aria,” Ethan said, his voice tight with urgency, snapping her from her daze. “We need to get back to the packhouse. Now.”
“I’m not running,” she said firmly, her voice stronger than she expected. “If Klaus is targeting me, hiding isn’t going to stop him.”
Ethan stepped closer, his towering frame blocking out the moonlight. His expression softened s
