The woods felt alive as Ariana followed Liam through the winding paths, the dense canopy above swallowing most of the daylight. Twigs snapped underfoot, and the wind whispered through the trees like voices warning her to turn back. Every step deeper into the forest made the weight of what was coming press heavier against her chest. She wasn't sure if it was the curse or her growing awareness of the danger that made the air feel thicker.
Liam moved with purpose, his senses seemingly heightened as if he could hear or smell things far beyond her understanding. Ariana's own senses had sharpened, but she was nowhere near his level of awareness. She felt a tension building within her—like something waiting to break free.
"How much further?" Ariana asked, breaking the silence, her voice hushed as if afraid to disturb the natural world around them.
"Not far," Liam replied, his tone clipped. His eyes darted around, constantly scanning for any signs of movement. "We're heading to a place where we can start tracking Yulian. I have contacts, allies, that can help us."
Ariana swallowed. The idea of meeting more werewolves, of being thrust further into this world, made her nerves dance. She had barely come to terms with Liam, let alone the idea that there were others like him—some that might not be so friendly.
As they walked, her mind wandered back to her mother's journal. Her mother had known about all of this. She had kept these secrets from Ariana her entire life, but why? Had she been trying to protect her from the truth, or had there been something more? Ariana's heart ached with the weight of her mother's absence—so many questions left unanswered.
A rustling sound nearby snapped her attention back to the present. Liam's hand shot out, signaling her to stop. He crouched low, his eyes narrowing as he listened intently.
"What is it?" Ariana whispered, her pulse quickening.
Liam didn't answer immediately, his muscles tensed like a predator about to strike. After a moment, he rose, his expression grim. "We're being watched."
Ariana's stomach dropped. "By who?"
"Could be rogues," Liam muttered, his eyes scanning the trees. "Or worse."
"Worse?" Ariana's voice wavered.
Liam met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "Not all wolves follow the same code. Some have aligned with forces far darker than you can imagine."
A chill ran down Ariana's spine, her heart hammering in her chest. She had known this world was dangerous, but hearing Liam speak of it so bluntly made it feel more real.
Suddenly, a blur of movement darted from the shadows. Ariana barely had time to react before Liam sprang into action, his body moving with inhuman speed. The blur resolved into a figure—another wolf—charging at them, its eyes glowing with an unnatural, feral light.
Liam intercepted the attacker mid-lunge, their bodies colliding with a force that shook the ground beneath them. The two wolves grappled, teeth flashing and growls rumbling in the air. Ariana stumbled back, her heart racing as she watched the fight unfold, fear gripping her tightly.
The other wolf was smaller but vicious, snapping its jaws at Liam's throat. Liam, however, was stronger, his movements precise and deadly. In a swift motion, he threw the rogue to the ground, pinning it beneath him. His voice was a low growl, barely human as he spoke.
"Who sent you?" Liam demanded, his eyes burning with fury.
The rogue snarled in response, its body twisting under Liam's grip, but it refused to answer. Instead, it bared its teeth, defiant and unyielding. Liam growled in frustration, his grip tightening.
Ariana's mind raced. What was this rogue doing here? Was it one of Yulian's followers? Or was something else at play? She wanted answers, but the sight of the wolves—so primal, so dangerous—kept her frozen in place.
Before Liam could press further, the rogue let out a sharp, piercing howl that echoed through the woods. It was a signal—Ariana realized with a sinking feeling in her stomach.
More were coming.
Liam's head snapped up, his expression darkening. He moved quickly, knocking the rogue unconscious with a swift blow before turning to Ariana.
"We need to move. Now," he said urgently, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Ariana didn't hesitate. She followed him as they sprinted through the forest, her feet barely keeping up with Liam's long, powerful strides. The howl still echoed in her ears, a haunting reminder that they were being hunted.
As they ran, the trees blurred around them, and Ariana's fear only grew. She didn't know how many were after them, but the rogue's howl had sounded desperate—a call for backup. They couldn't afford to be caught.
Liam led her through a narrow, hidden path that twisted deeper into the forest. The sounds of pursuit grew louder behind them—growls, snarls, the unmistakable sound of wolves crashing through the underbrush. Ariana's legs burned, her breath coming in ragged gasps, but she pushed herself to keep going. She couldn't stop now. Not when they were so close.
Suddenly, Liam veered off the path and into a thick cluster of trees. Ariana followed, her chest heaving as she struggled to catch her breath. They crouched low, hiding behind a large boulder as the sounds of pursuit drew closer.
Liam pressed a finger to his lips, signaling her to stay silent. Ariana nodded, her heart pounding so loudly she was afraid it would give them away.
The wolves passed by, their dark shapes moving like shadows through the trees. Ariana held her breath, willing herself to stay still, to remain unseen. She could feel the tension radiating off Liam, his muscles coiled and ready to spring if necessary.
After what felt like an eternity, the sounds of the wolves began to fade. Liam waited a few moments longer before finally relaxing, his shoulders dropping slightly.
"They're gone," he said quietly.
Ariana let out a shaky breath, her body trembling with adrenaline. "What was that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Scouts," Liam replied, his expression grim. "Yulian's rogues. They're getting bolder."
Ariana's heart sank. "Do they know we're after him?"
Liam's jaw tightened. "They know. But they don't know where we're headed. Not yet."
Ariana glanced around the forest, her fear still gnawing at her. "So what now?"
Liam turned to her, his gaze steady. "Now, we find the Moonstone. And we end this."
Ariana swallowed hard, nodding. She had no choice but to trust him. The danger was real, and the only way out was forward.
But as they moved deeper into the woods, Ariana couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. The shadows seemed to shift around them, and the air felt thick with unseen eyes.
And somewhere, lurking just beyond her reach, Yulian was waiting.