ng trees. Her heart hammered in her chest as she moved with as much stealth as she could manage,

ertain fate. If she was caught, there would be no mercy. Yet for the first time, she didn't feel the same paralyzing fear that had

. And somehow, Mira knew he was waiting f

arely breathing as she listened for the source of the noise. It could be an animal, but in her gut, she

rom the shadows. "Where

anted to see. Lila had a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, an

e'd alert the guards in a heartbeat. Panic surged within her, b

ng off anywhere," she said quietly, forcing her voice to remain calm. "I'm just collecting herbs

ra from head to toe. "Healing herbs?" she repeated, her voice dripping

ldn't afford to let Lila get inside her head. "I do what I'm told," she re

ng a shiver down Mira's spine. Both women turned toward the sound, instinctively listening for the s

ime for this. Every second wasted broug

r. "You can tell Alpha Damien whatever you want,

ate. She shot Mira a disdainful glance before turning on her heel and stalking back toward t

gh the forest. She had to get to Alpha Yung before Damien's forces made their move. She had to warn him. She didn't fully understa

effort. The trees blurred around her as she raced toward the border

he edge of the forest looming before her.

nocking her to the ground. The impact stole the breath from her lungs, and b

oing, little mouse?" a grave

ew immediately who it was-Zane, one of Damien's most ruthless warriors. He was

tarted, but Zane cut

n the enemy?" His claws dug deeper in

ing for a way out. "I'm just gathe

I'm that stupid? Damien's too busy preparing for

m, so close to finding Yung. But Zane wouldn't let her go easily

long. A surge of energy rushed through her veins, igniting a warmth deep within her core. Her

erate thought, she

er with a violent jolt. He flew through the air and landed seve

er magic like that before. The sheer force of it left her breathless, but there

ossing the border into