The growl reverberated through the forest, sending a chill down my spine. Kieran’s grip on my hand tightened, his body immediately tensing as his golden eyes scanned the trees around us. His posture shifted—he was ready to defend us at any moment. I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his hand pulling me slightly behind him. My powers tingled just beneath the surface, but I was still shaken from the surge of energy earlier.
I tried to steady my breath, focusing on the wind around me, willing it to listen to me, to follow my command. But it felt distant, like trying to catch smoke with bare hands.
"Stay close," Kieran whispered, his voice low but full of authority. There was no room for argument, not with that sound lingering in the darkness.
My heart raced, adrenaline surging through
