( Aria's POV )
The forest was still damp when dawn broke, a thin veil of mist clinging stubbornly to the trees. The storm had passed, but the air hadn’t lost its weight. Every breath felt thick with what had happened the night before, the echo of Ronan’s power, the shadow’s hollow laughter still vibrating somewhere deep in my bones.
Kael was already up before the light touched the riverbank, moving with the restless precision of someone who hadn’t slept. He’d checked the perimeter twice, cleaned his blade, and given quiet orders to the others. The pack didn’t question him. None of us had the luxury of doubt anymore.
Lyra crouched near the dying embers of the fire, murmuring incantations under her breath as she traced runes in the mud. Her face was pale, hair damp with sweat. Whatever s
