The forest felt wrong.
Lyra sensed it the moment she stepped outside — a subtle vibration beneath her skin, like her aura was listening to something she couldn’t hear. Her wolf paced, ears pricked, tail stiff.
Kayden walked beside her, Mira trailing close behind. Patrols moved through the trees with urgency, their eyes sharp, their movements tight.
“Stay close,” Kayden murmured.
Lyra nodded, her aura humming faintly. “He’s near.”
Kayden didn’t question it. “I know.”
They reached the training clearing, but Kayden didn’t stop. He led them deeper into the woods, toward a secluded glade where the air felt heavy and still.
Mira frowned. “Kayden… what are we doing out here?”
Kayden turned to Lyra. “Your aura projection is strong. But we need to see how it reacts under pressure.”
Lyra sw
