VALIK POV
“Wait…“
The word barely cleared my throat before the forest exploded into motion.
Dark fur tore through the trees behind.
My wolf surged hard enough to burn. Instinct pulled me towards the threat.
I felt some of our own starting to shift. Someone swore.
But something was off.
The wolf landed just short of us, leaves scattering beneath its paws. It’s movement all muscle and intent.
Its head lifted, eyes locking forward—on the person closest. Hunting.
I didn’t recognize it.
Not the size. Not the color. Not the power rolling off it in waves that made the air feel thick.
My wolf slammed into my ribs.
Mine.
The thought didn’t belong to me. It didn’t belong to language or reason. It was instinct, raw and absolute, tearing through me before my mind could catch up.
Then
