After their run, the three wolves slowed near the lake. Taunie shifted first, her glowing form dissolving into her human one, breath soft and steady. Tristan shifted beside her, shaking out the last of his fur. Kallan followed, still catching his breath.
Taunie glanced at Tristan, then at Kallan.
“I need to talk to Tristan alone.”
Kallan nodded immediately.
“Of course. I’ll give you two space.”
He shifted back into his wolf and trotted off into the trees, keeping a respectful distance but staying close enough to protect them if needed.
The moment he was gone, Tristan stepped closer, brushing a strand of hair from Taunie’s face.
“What’s wrong, Taunie?”
Taunie took a breath, her heart pounding.
“It’s… my magic.”
Tristan’s expression softened with concern.
“What about it?”
She
