The black wolf’s transformation is seamless, terrifying in its precision. One moment, there is a beast. The next, a man.
He stands tall, the moonlight casting sharp shadows across his features. His skin is rough, scarred, his muscles coiled with a power I can feel in the air between us. His eyes—burning with an unnatural fire—lock onto mine with something between amusement and challenge.
A slow, knowing smile curves his lips.
“You’ve finally accepted it,” he says, voice rough like gravel and thick with something ancient.
My heart slams against my ribs.
He knows me.
Not just from this battle. From before. From something deeper, something buried in the bloodline I never knew I carried.
I steady my breath. “Who are you?”
His gaze flickers with something almost pleased.
