Chapter 28: The Shadowlands Rejection
Melissa’s POV
The air altered as soon as we entered the Shadowlands. It smelled like rot and was heavier and colder. The dead, twisted trees that flanked the route ahead, their charred branches clawing at the sky, made my stomach turn. Everything beyond a few feet in front of us was engulfed by a thick fog that swept in.
Kane gripped my hand tighter. His voice was calm but low as he urged, "Stay close."
I tried to sound braver than I felt by responding, "I'm not going anywhere."
Jared, Selena, and two other pack members were in a tight formation behind us. The tension was evident even though no one spoke.
The first beast came shortly after we had travelled a short distance. Its body was a hideous mixture of fur and scales, and it emerged from the
