The forest seemed darker than usual, even in the early dawn light, as Kael led his pack through the dense trees. His wolf senses were heightened, his body coiled like a spring, ready to react to any sound, any movement. His breath came steady, but the tension radiating from him was palpable. This wasn't just about strategy anymore. This was about survival—hers and his.
He could feel the presence of his wolves behind him, their movements nearly silent as they followed his lead. Each step brought them closer to Marcus's stronghold, closer to the fight that Kael knew was inevitable.
But his mind wasn't on the coming battle. It was on Lyra.
The thought of her, trapped in Marcus's grip, made Kael's blood burn. Every moment that passed was another moment Marcus had to twist her mind, to turn her against him. Kael had already seen what Marcus was capable of, how he used words like weapons, sinking them deep into the hearts of his enemies until they shattered.
