Emily's POV
I was running. Barefoot, my legs burned as they hit the cold forest floor, each branch tearing at my skin. The air was thick, suffocating, as though the entire pack's hatred was pressing down on me.
Behind me, I could hear the whispers. No, they weren't whispers—they were chants.
"Monster. Demon. Abomination."
"Stop!" I screamed, my voice breaking. But they didn't stop.
When I glanced over my shoulder, there they were, Caleb, Joey, and Julian leading the hunt. My mates. My heart twisted painfully at the sight of their cold, disdainful expressions.
I tripped, falling hard into the dirt. Before I could scramble up, Caleb grabbed my arm. His touch, once warm and reassuring, now felt like iron shackles.
"Please," I sobbed, clutching his hand. "Caleb, I'm still me, your firec
