Chapter 27 – Secrets in the Ashes
The forest floor was littered with broken branches, blood, and the heavy stench of iron. The rogues had fled, leaving only silence and the shallow breaths of those who remained. The moon cast a pale, silver glow over the c*****e, and Elara stood frozen, her hand still tingling from the surge of power she could not explain.
Kael shifted back into human form, the sound of bones snapping and muscles realigning filling the clearing. He stood tall, sweat and blood streaking his skin, his chest heaving with effort. His golden eyes burned with the remnants of the wolf’s fury, but when they landed on Elara, they softened—and darkened with something far heavier.
“Elara…” His voice was rough, almost broken.
She shook her head, unable to form words. She hadn’t me
