ORION
The forest stretched endlessly before me as I ran. The cold night air tore through my lungs, sharp and clean.
My paws struck the ground in a steady rhythm—each impact grounding me, reminding me I was still there. Still whole. The trees blurred into dark shapes as wind ripped through my fur.
Run.
Breathe.
Don't think.
But thinking was impossible tonight.
"You're forcing it," Rhys said, his voice low in my mind. Not angry. Just... tired.
"I'm keeping us sharp," I replied, pushing harder.
"You're draining us."
"I've done worse."
Silence stretched between us. Not the comfortable kind we used to share. This one felt heavy and distant.
"That was before," Rhys said softly.
I ignored the tightness in my chest and ran faster. My muscles burned, stretching and contracting as the
