'd unleashed had left her trembling, but she didn't dare stop. She could feel it-Zane was stil

something else in the air, too. A presence. It was faint at first, but the closer she moved toward Yung's land, the stronger the bond became. Her pu

ead. She skidded to a halt, pressing her back against a tree, her senses h

de, a group of wolves burst into the clearing. They were massive, their dark fur blending into the shadows,

steel, shifted back into his human form. His expression was sharp and

is eyes narrowing as he sized her up. "This is

g's wolves made the weight of her decision real. They would either see

ra said, her voice trembling. "Please

, Markus-snorted. "Do you take us for fools? You're fr

not one of them. Not by choice. I came to warn you. Damien's forces are co

her wolves around him growled lowly, clearly not trusting her story. But just as M

her s

d in her chest. Sh

intense-locked onto hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. This was the man from her dreams, the one who

"She claims to have information about Damien's att

a blade. His expression was unreadable, but Mira felt something stir

hough his words held the weight of author

clearly taken ab

g hers. "You're the one from the prophecy, are

phecy, but hearing it confirmed sent a rush of emotions through her. Fear, relief, confus

I thin

ightly. He could feel the truth of it, just as she could. The bond betwee

rdered Markus, his voice steady. "We

escorted Mira deeper into the territory. As they walked, Yung stayed close b

a she had imagined-tall, strong, with an air of authority that demanded respect. But there

quietly as they walked. "How you came t

earching for the *Shadow Stone* for years, but recently, he found out that it's hidden somewhere in your terri

ned. "And you're

dark magic, and once he has the stone, there's no telling

ession grim. "And your powers-" he beg

ities, but I know I have the power. That's why Damien keeps me clo

n," Yung finished, his t

n't stay there any longer. I had to find yo

ftening for the briefest moment. "Ye

n them, unspoken but deeply felt. They were bound together by fate

within the forest-Yung turned to face her fully. His expression was

," Yung said. "The battle is already upon us

had escaped one danger only to plunge herself into another. But

said, her voice firm.

approval in his eyes. "Then le