Time slipped like water. I crossed narrow streams, climbed ridges, and ducked beneath twisted roots.
At one point, I heard footsteps... too deliberate to be an animal. My heart raced. I turned, eyes scanning the shadows.
Nothing.
I kept moving.
The deeper I went, the more the forest changed. The trees grew larger, their bark lined with ancient runes that glowed faintly in moonlight.
I knew I was close. But then a howl split the air, not one of unity, but a challenge.
A test.
From the shadows emerged a massive black wolf. Not fully corporeal, he shimmered like smoke and moonlight, ancient and spectral.
"Who seeks the path?" he growled.
I stood tall.
"Caitlyn Sterling of the Rising Howl. Mate of Alpha Aiden BlackwoodofthefearedShadowfangPack."
He growled again, circling me.
"Wh
