Kaelen’s POV —
The smell of smoke and rot grew stronger with every step we took. It clung to the air like a warning, thick and bitter, seeping into my lungs. The forest that had once whispered softly now felt alive with malice — every rustle of leaves, every faint snap of twigs a reminder that we were being watched.
We’d been riding for two days straight, following the rogue scent trail north. It was faint, constantly broken by streams or burned patches, but Kael was good — too good to lose it. When the wind shifted, even faintly, he’d lift his head like the predator he was and point silently, guiding us onward.
Now, as we came upon a narrow ravine lined with dark stone, I raised my hand to signal the others to stop. Our horses slowed, hooves sinking into the damp earth.
“Here,” I sai
