The forest swallowed them whole.
Aurelia stayed close to Kane, her fingers intertwined with his as the Sovereign Alpha led them deeper through the towering blackwood trees. The wolves surrounded them silent shadows moving with synchronized precision around the group.
Kane’s breathing was still uneven, but his strength returned with every step.
“You okay?” Aurelia whispered.
He brushed his shoulder against hers. “I will be. Just… staying alert. These guys smell like old storms and murder.”
One of the wolves snarled quietly behind them.
Aurelia squeezed his hand in warning. “Let’s not provoke the death pack.”
Kane smirked weakly. “I wouldn't dream of it.”
But Aurelia felt his tension.
The Sovereign Alpha’s presence pressed on them like a weight ancient, territorial, and sure of itse
