I know I’m dreaming, but I can’t wake up. Again, I stand in the same clearing, staring at the dark wall of trees where Eden will appear any second. Usually, I wait here with a restless excitement. Tonight, though, my chest is tight, my stomach sick. Something’s wrong.
A sound stirs ahead—too fast, too frantic. I hold my breath, straining to catch it. Leaves thrash, footsteps pound, ragged breaths tear through the silence. Then, a flash: wide, sapphire eyes shining with panic.
Eden.
She bursts from the trees, running for her life. Something follows, unseen but close. I lunge forward—but my legs tangle, and I hit the ground hard. A heavy weight pins me. I look down. My wolf coils around my legs, unyielding, his body anchoring me in place.
Panic swallows me. I have to get to her. I have t
