The forest of Almira stretched like a painting under twilight’s glow. The air was sweet with pine and blooming nightflowers, and somewhere far off, a river hummed like a heartbeat.
Heiko and River had ventured deep into the woods—just the two of them—away from the castle, away from the burdens of titles and shadows of court intrigue.
They chased, rolled, and tangled in the soft grass, growling and yipping as pure joy filled their bond.
But as the moon rose higher, something changed.
The play stilled.
River's wolf stilled first, breathing hard as her glowing eyes locked with Heiko’s. A pulse beat between them—a deeper, more primal rhythm. Heiko’s wolf stepped forward, slow, deliberate, and brushed his muzzle along her neck. She shivered, tail lowering, submitting not out of fear—but
