The rain had stopped, leaving the ground wet and slick under our boots. Mist hung low over the hills, curling around trees and rocks like fingers. I kept glancing over my shoulder, feeling the pull of the mark on my chest. It throbbed, low and steady now, but it felt alive—like it knew where we were going.
Asher stayed close to me, his hand tightly wrapped around mine. His eyes never left the shadows between the trees. Gage led the way, scanning every corner, every dark space. Arlo trailed behind us, notebook and flashlight in hand, muttering about maps and old codes.
We had left the pack territory almost a day ago, looking for this damn packhouse, but it’s apparently not there anymore. We’re just following Arlo’s directions. We trusted him and we knew that he knew what he was doing.
“I
