Chapter 32 – Shadows Before the Storm
The night air was cold as Rylen carried Selene out of the witch's lair. The twisted trees seemed to reach for them with skeletal branches, but Rylen pushed forward, his only focus on the fragile woman in his arms.
"Stay with me," he whispered, feeling her shallow breath against his chest.
Cassian and the remaining warriors were waiting at the forest's edge. Their faces lit with relief when they saw Rylen emerge.
"She's alive," Cassian breathed. "Thank the Moon Goddess."
"We need to get her home," Rylen growled, barely slowing his pace. "She's too weak."
Cassian shifted back to his human form, blood smeared across his face and arms. "There's a healer waiting at the packhouse. Go — I'll bring the others."
Rylen didn't stop to answer. He kept moving, his powerful strides carrying him swiftly through the dark woods. His wolf was restless beneath his skin, urging him to go faster.
