The night was cold, wind whipping through the trees with a familiar but dangerous scent. The rogue wolves had been quiet lately, but Scarlett wasn't fooled. It was the quiet before the storm. She could feel the pressure, like something was about to explode.
Standing at the sanctuary's edge, she stared at the horizon. Her inner turmoil was like a trapped animal, straining against her control. Her magic felt stronger daily. It wasn't just the wolves now, but the darkness inside that could ruin everything.
Scarlett.
Caden's voice cut through her thoughts, calm and solid. He stood behind her, eyes worried but firm. He got it; he felt the tension too.
“Are you okay?” he asked softly, touching her hand to steady her.
Scarlett nodded, words stuck in her throat. I'm fine, she said, but sounde
