The cold clung to Selene’s skin like a second betrayal.
She awoke to the sharp scent of smoke and pine. Her body ached, every limb heavy with exhaustion, every breath a reminder that she was still alive when she shouldn’t be. The sky above the cave’s jagged mouth had turned dusky blue, the sun hesitant behind thick clouds. It took her a moment to remember where she was—not the pack grounds, not the edge of exile, but a stone shelter in the wilderness. Somewhere unknown. Somewhere unforgiving.
She sat up slowly, the rough woolen blanket falling from her shoulders. A fire crackled in the center of the cavern, casting warm orange light on the granite walls. Its heat touched her cheeks, but the chill inside her bones refused to leave.
Across from her, a man crouched beside the flames.
He w
