The forest didn’t move again, but the silence felt worse.
Lyra stood beside Kael, not behind him. Her senses were sharper now, picking up every sound and shift in the air. She could feel it—they weren’t alone.
“Stay close,” Kael said quietly. His voice was calm, but his body was tense.
Lyra didn’t argue. “I’m not stepping back.”
A brief glance passed between them, something unspoken.
Then a shadow moved—fast.
Too fast.
Kael reacted instantly, stepping forward and positioning himself slightly in front of her. But Lyra moved too, matching him.
His jaw tightened. “I said stay close.”
“I am.”
Before he could respond, the attack came.
A wolf lunged from the trees.
Lyra reacted on instinct. Her power surged—but this time, it wasn’t wild. It was controlled. She pushed it forward, and
