The forest was a labyrinth of darkness and sound, every rustling leaf and snapping twig amplifying the tension that coiled in Amara’s chest. She stumbled over a root, barely catching herself before falling, and bit back a curse. Her breath came in sharp, ragged bursts, the cold air stinging her lungs.
“Keep moving,” Damian urged, his tone steady but firm. He didn’t look back, his eyes scanning the path ahead with a predator’s sharpness.
Amara glanced behind her, where Elena followed closely, her steps sure despite the uneven terrain. The woman’s expression was tight, her lips pressed into a thin line. The faint glow of moonlight caught the sharp edge of her jaw, and Amara couldn’t tell if the look on her face was anger or something deeper.
“Can’t you go any faster?” Elena snapped, her v
