Xanthe lay awake staring at the ceiling. The emptiness of the room weighed on her a stark reminder of how distant Lynam had been even before the business trip. She closed her eyes trying to block out the frustration but all she could think to about was his cold farewell and the lingering tension between them.
Her phone buzzed on the bedside table, startling her. She gripped it half heatedly expecting it to be a message from her father but her breath caught when she saw Lynam's name on the screen.
"Couldn't sleep either? She murmured answering the call
There was a pause of hesitation on his end. Yeah, he finally replied his voice softened by the miles between them.
I thought... Maybe you'd be awake.
The silenced stretched neither of them wanting to be the first to speak. Xanthe could feel her wolf side stiring sensing something off in his tone. Something he wasn't saying.
Lynam....is everything okay? She tried to keep her voice steady but her wolf instincts picked up on the faint tremor in his breathing. Even over the phone, she could sense his unease. Why was she feeling like this She wondered when she doesn't love him.
Xanthe he quitely said jolting her from her train of thoughts. I had....a dream about you. But it doesn't feel like a dream at all. It felt so real.
A chill ran down her spine she knew enough about her werewolf heritage to know that dreams could be more than mere imagination.
What did you see?
You....in the woods,he said slowly. But you weren't alone . There was this shadow something dark that... wanted you. He paused has if reliving the moment. I tried to reach out but no matter how close I got, it kept pushing me back.
Xanthe closed her eyes feeling an old connection to his words. She had similar dreams recently an unsettling presence seemed to be drawing closer just out of reach. Her fingers tightened around the phone.
Lynam I've been having that feeling too. Something....is coming and it's already chaotic here. But I'm not sure it's after me. But I'll think of this as a warning.
The line went silent for a moment before he whispered. " I can't protect you from here".
You don't have to protect me - she replied trying to act strong. Just focus on your work over there. I'll take care of myself. I promise .
For moment, the distance between them felt smaller. The silence charged with understanding that needed no words. They both knew that there families conflict ran deep but this felt older, more dangerous, something neither of them could face alone.
I'll be back soon - Lynam promised. His voice low but resolute. And when I do, we'll get to the bottom of this.