Mia’s POV
The hooded figure vanished.
One moment they stood beneath the golden beacon.
The next…
They were gone, swallowed by the light as though they had never existed.
“Did anyone else see that?” I asked.
Kael turned toward the beacon.
“See what?”
“There was someone standing there.”
Brin glanced in the same direction before shaking her head.
“I don’t see anyone.”
My heart sank.
Had I imagined it?
No.
The smile had been too real.
The voice too clear.
“At last.”
The silver light surrounding my hands slowly faded, leaving only the warm glow of the pendant against my chest.
The three Alpha Guardians remained kneeling.
None of the wolves dared move.
It felt as if the entire forest was waiting.
Waiting for me.
Liora stepped closer, her expression equal parts concern and f
