The moment she crossed the boundary, she knew.
She wasn’t supposed to be here.
The forest felt different thicker, darker… alive in a way that made her skin prickle. Every step she took felt like an intrusion, like something unseen was watching her.
Waiting.
Precious wrapped her arms around herself, trying to ignore the strange heat spreading through her body.
It was happening again.
That burning sensation.
Her fingers trembled as they rose to her neck, brushing against the mark hidden beneath her collar.
It pulsed.
Once.
Twice.
Then
A sharp wave of heat shot through her, forcing a gasp from her lips.
“What is wrong with me…” she whispered.
“You came anyway.”
The voice.
Deep. Commanding. Unmistakable.
Her entire body stiffened before she even turned.
Slowly… reluctantly… s
