The forest was silent as the rescue team advanced through the underbrush. Mist clung low to the earth, curling around boots and paws alike as Kade led the way, flanked by Ash in his wolf form and June and Lysandra close behind.
No one spoke.
Above, the trees grew twisted, their branches clawing the sky like fingers. The deeper they moved, the more distorted the forest became. Magic pulsed faintly in the air—an ancient, corrupted energy that made the hair on the back of their necks stand up.
"We're close," Lysandra murmured. Her fingers brushed the carved protective charm Rose had given her.
Ash paused, his ears twitching.
June whispered, "What is it?"
He growled softly and shifted back into human form. "I smell blood. And fire."
They crept forward, emerging onto the edge of a cleari
