The snow had thinned into a light, glittering dust by the time Rowan called for their first pause. The sky hung low and pale, thick with the promise of more weather, and the forest around them creaked softly beneath its winter weight. Every step they’d taken since leaving the cabin had plunged them deeper into Hale Crest territory, though not deep enough for Rowan to let his guard ease—not when he could feel eyes at their backs.
Not when Asher prowled inside him like a storm waiting for a place to break.
She’s slowing, Asher rumbled
Rowan didn’t need the reminder. He’d seen the way Holly’s steps shortened, the way she lingered just a little too long each time her boots hit a patch of ice. She was doing her best to hide it—she always did—but the subtle tremors in her hands weren’t from c
