Chapter 8: Contract term
(Rhysand's POV)
The forest path wound before us like a silver ribbon under the moonlight. I kept my strides measured, matching Elara's slower pace.
The moon-blessed wine had clearly taken its toll on her. Her usual graceful steps were slightly unsteady, though she tried to hide it.
My enhanced senses picked up every detail about her - the slight elevation in her heartbeat, the lingering sweetness of wine on her breath, the way her scent had softened with exhaustion.
My wolf stirred restlessly at her proximity. Without conscious thought, I found myself positioning my body between her and the deeper shadows of the forest.
"Watch your step," I warned as we approached a particularly treacherous section of the path. "The roots here can be deceptive."
She n
