We feel the boundary before we ever see it.
The forest grows older, quieter — the air thick with pine and cold earth. Even the ground changes beneath our steps, roots pushing through the soil like nothing here was meant to be owned.
The wolves guiding us slow.
Then stop.
The clearing opens ahead.
And they’re there.
A ring of wolves surrounds the entire space — dozens layered in moonlight and shadow, shoulder to shoulder, silent and waiting. No growls. No pacing. Just watching.
All of them watching me.
Our escorts step aside and join the line.
Ace remains beside me, unmoving. Silas stands just behind my shoulder, alert but calm.
Then I see him.
At the center of the clearing stands the largest wolf I’ve ever seen — dark fur threaded with silver along his spine, shoulders towering
