The forest was unusually quiet, as though every creature was holding its breath. Cinder felt it first—a ripple in the air, like a cold breeze brushing against her skin. She stood at the edge of the camp, staring into the darkness beyond the trees. Something was out there, watching.
Jason joined her, his face tense. "Do you feel that?" he whispered.
Cinder nodded. "We're not alone."
Suddenly, shadows began to shift among the trees. At first, it looked like tricks of the moonlight, but then the shapes grew darker and more distinct. Slowly, figures emerged—wolves as black as midnight, their eyes glowing with silvery light.
The pack stirred as the shadow wolves approached, their movements eerily silent. Even the ground seemed to tremble beneath their paws.
"Who are they?" Marcus asked, stepping protectively in front of Jason.
