The howl came again, slicing through the silence of the forest like a blade.
It was closer now.
Luna felt it deep in her chest, a vibration that did not belong to sound alone but to something older, something instinctive. Her body reacted before her mind could catch up, every nerve tightening as the air around her seemed to shift. The forest, which had moments ago felt alive in a familiar, almost welcoming way, now turned cold and watchful.
Beside her, Ethan went completely still.
There was no hesitation. It was awareness.
“Stay behind me,” he said, his voice low, controlled, but carrying an unmistakable edge of command.
Luna swallowed, her heart beating faster as she took a step back, though the heat of his presence still lingered against her skin. “Who is it?” she asked, her voice
