_Lyla's POV_
The night had swallowed us whole, wrapping the forest in thick darkness. The only light came from the moon, filtering weakly through the dense canopy above. I could barely see the ground beneath my feet, but Dorian led the way confidently.
We had been walking for what felt like hours. My legs ached. My body felt heavy with exhaustion, but I didn’t complain. I couldn’t. Not when Dorian was carrying so much weight on his shoulders already.
Finally, a shadowy outline of a structure appeared ahead. The safe house. I felt relieved but it was quickly replaced by unease. This place was supposed to be safe, but for how long?
As we approached, two guards standing at the front gate straightened. Their eyes widened in recognition before they rushed forward.
“Alpha!” One of them spok
