The forest seemed to come alive with movement as the howls grew nearer, a sinister promise of the danger pursuing them. Every shadow felt like a predator, every snapping twig a warning. Dominic’s muscles coiled like steel, his grip on Lila tightening as he pushed forward with the others.
“We’re running out of time,” Keegan muttered, his eyes scanning the trees. “They’ll be on us any minute.”
“Then we fight if we have to,” Dominic growled, his voice as sharp as the claws itching to tear through Sebastian’s hunters. “No one gets to her.”
Lila stirred weakly in his arms, her voice barely a whisper. “Dominic…”
“Shh,” he murmured, his green eyes softening as he glanced down at her. “Save your strength. I’ve got you.”
Alessa, walking just ahead, turned her head slightly. “There’s a narrow r
