The forest had grown darker than I expected. Snow still fell, but now it was heavier, thick flakes masking movement and muffling sound. I crouched behind a fallen pine, the rough bark pressing against my palms, breath visible in the freezing air. My wolf stirred beneath my skin, muscles taut with anticipation, senses straining against the tension that radiated from the treeline.
Tarek moved beside me, silent, careful. Even with his skill, he relied on my lead tonight. Mira followed a few steps behind, her sharp eyes scanning for anything out of place. Every shift in shadow, every subtle vibration in the snow, set nerves on edge.
“They’re close,” I murmured. The bond pulsed faintly, rhythmic but insistent, a quiet reminder that Kael was out there. Not here yet, not directly but threading
