Trayton sat beside the fire, listening to Crystal’s story.
The flames flickered across her face as she spoke of her childhood—of loss, cruelty, and the curse that bound her. With every word, a heaviness settled in his chest.
He felt sorry for her.
No one deserved a life like that.
He listened intently, hanging on every word—
Then suddenly—
A sound.
Soft.
Faint.
Footsteps.
Trayton’s head snapped toward the dark forest.
The sound was distant at first… but growing closer.
His body reacted before his mind fully understood. He shot to his feet and stepped in front of Crystal and Lyra, placing himself between them and the trees.
His wolf stirred inside him.
A low growl echoed in his mind.
Closer…
Closer…
The footsteps broke through the brush.
A tall figure emerged from the shad
