Evening shadows stretched across the palace grounds as I led Lola toward the forest edge, our hands linked, our steps quickening with shared anticipation. Leon stirred inside my mind, impatient and eager, his presence growing more insistent with each step toward the tree line. Beside me, Lola's eyes had taken on the amber glow that indicated Sierra's rising awareness - her Lycan pushing forward, sensing freedom after what had likely been years of constraint.
"Are you sure about this?" I asked, even as Leon scoffed at my hesitation. "The palace grounds are safe, but we could go somewhere more private if you'd prefer."
Lola squeezed my hand, her smile both nervous and exhilarated. "I'm sure. Sierra hasn't had a proper run in..." She paused, calculating. "Years, probably. My parents only al
