Caroline’s POV
The forest drifts around us, the leaves whispering secrets we are not yet ready to hear. I can feel the pulse of the night in my veins, the faint thrum of anticipation that comes with approaching danger. Ahead, the scent of Lucas clings to the air like smoke, sharp, raw, and infuriating, and with it the weight of his fury waits for us. The rogues follow behind, silent and obedient, shadows within shadows, but it is Lucas who drives the rhythm of the retreat of the failure of our attack.
Leona walks beside me, her shoulders tight, her gaze darting through the trees. Every so often, she swallows hard, like she’s trying to push back the storm of emotions threatening to spill over. I glance at her, my heart tightening in recognition. I’ve seen that look before, love twisted i
