n Du

trophobic and infinite. The tension between us was palpable, though neither of us spoke much. I wasn't sure if it

east. Every step felt heavier, but I refused to complain. I didn't tr

i

hand rising in a silent command for me to halt. I stilled, straining my ears, but heard nothing out

whispered, keepi

er eyes scanned the forest, his body t

uickened.

he murmured.

e hilt of my dagger. "What could be wor

growl echoed through the trees, primal and guttural. It wasn't a normal wolf's gr

his hand on the sword at

g up beside him. "If we're figh

adows moved between the trees, too fast to follow. My heart

hey ap

fore. Their fur was matted and patchy, their eyes glowing an unnatural red. Saliva dri

" Lucian said u

im. "That does

"Corrupted Lycans. Mindless, vicio

mos

the situation weren't so dire. "Aim for the heart or

ot

ce to strategize further. With b

ight. I barely had time to dodge as the second wolf came for me,

. The wolf turned, its red eyes locking onto me. It

iding under its massive frame and slashing at its underbelly. T

ill it, but it gave m

's voice cut th

ard me. Before I could react, Lucian was there, his sword

efore spinning to fac

turned my attention back to the wounded wolf. It was cir

, shifting my stance.

tack, driving my dagger into its side as it passed. The blade slid betw

last wolf, and it was clear he was struggling. Blood dripped fr

houted, rushi

raction to his advantage, driving his sword into its chest. The wolf howled, thrashing

, there was

d, bracing himself against a tree. His fa

I said, movin

lied, though his wince

e and wrapped it around his arm, tying it off tightly. "Th

thanks, his silver eyes me

ment or a subtle jab. "You didn't th

o a tired smile. "Yo

was no time to dwell on it. We needed to keep mo

n, but he refused to let me take the lead. By the time we reached the edge of

g me toward a narrow path t

going?" I aske

ted by wards-nothing can get t

veni

look but di

I'd envisioned-it was a fortress, built into the side of a mountain, its stone walls blending seamlessly

Lucian said, his voice

step. The prophecy, the wraith wolves, and now this... whatev