The forest feels different that evening.
Not dangerous.
Not yet.
But… uneasy.
Emily runs ahead, her wolf weaving easily through the trees, Felix close behind her. Dean and Genelia follow at a steady pace, the four of them moving in perfect rhythm—pack, even when it’s just them.
It was supposed to be a simple run.
A break from tension.
A moment to breathe after everything Jack had warned them about.
But then—
Emily stops.
Abruptly.
Felix nearly crashes into her before skidding to a halt beside her. Dean and Genelia slow behind them, instantly alert.
What is it? Felix mind-links.
Emily doesn’t answer right away.
She’s listening.
No… not listening.
Feeling.
Do you smell that? she finally asks.
Dean lifts his head slightly, testing the air.
And then his expression changes.
