The wolves closed in around us, their eyes gleaming like embers in the darkness. I counted them quickly, my heart sinking with each one that stepped into the clearing. Twelve. Maybe more lurking in the shadows beyond. Kellan's hand was still in mine, his grip warm and steady despite the cold dread curling in my stomach.
"Aria," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "When they attack, run for the border. Do not look back."
"I am not leaving you."
"You have to. I can hold them off long enough for you to cross."
I shook my head, my jaw set. "We leave together or we do not leave at all."
The wolves advanced slowly, deliberately. They knew we had nowhere to go. They were savoring the moment. The lead wolf stepped forward, larger than the others, his fur dark as pitch. He shifted as he mo
