The forest was alive with shadows.
Every step Aria took sent a crack of twigs underfoot, echoing through the silent night. Her chest burned, legs trembling from exhaustion, but she kept moving.
Selene whispered urgently in her mind.
He’s close. Don’t stop. Run.
A low, guttural growl rumbled behind her.
Aria froze. Her breath hitched. She knew that sound.
Predator.
Two glowing red eyes reflected in the moonlight between the trees. The rogue wolf was massive, jagged scars lining his dark fur, teeth glinting under the silver light. His growl grew louder, vibrating through her chest.
Aria’s wolf stirred in panic, claws itching to emerge, but her body was too weak to obey.
The rogue wolf circled her slowly, moving with terrifying precision.
“You can’t escape,” it hissed in a voice tha
