of the wind through the trees outside. My mind replayed the events of the evening over and over, like a broken record stuck on a

the curtains. It looked otherworldly, like something plucked from a dream. I hadn't taken it yet. I wasn't sure

down, I k

nd I froze, straining to listen. The sound came again, like claws against glass. Slowly,

bled. I glanced at my phone on the nightstand, Adrian's number already pro

one, but before I could dial, a low growl rumbled from outside. It wasn't a

, each step hesitant and silent. My fingers brushed the edge of the

ss and the faint outline of trees swaying in the wind. But then, a pair of glowing eyes emerged from t

The growl came again, louder this time, and the figure outside moved closer. In the dim light, I could make out th

my fingers fumbling as I dialed Adrian's num

voice was s

I whispered, my voice shaking

the windows," Adrian said immediate

e wolf's eyes followed my every movement, unblinking and relentless. I could

ce barely above a whispe

stay calm and keep talking to me

lf to breathe, each second stretching into an agonizing eternity. The wolf didn't

?" I asked, my

testing the waters. Trying

sank. "You mean

ut they won't get to y

ut through the darkness, and the wolf outside finally turned its head, growling low as if in warning. Adrian

filling the room like a protective shield. He didn't say a word as he crossed

I said, my

grim. "For now. But this was a warning. T

nd I wrapped my arms aroun

nse. "We fight back. But first, we

tand, the liquid inside catching th

Not yet. I wasn't

eed to. It's not a cure-all, but it will make it harder

nd tipped the liquid into my mouth. It was cool and slightly sweet, like melted snow with a hint of

y, his expression unread

dmitted. "But no

That's a start. Now, we need

bed, exhaustion creeping o

knees. "We need to prepare you. If the rival pack is this bold, it's only a m

I nodded. If I was going to survive this, I couldn

e. "We'll start tomorrow. For now, get some rest.

nto the chair, his presence steady and reassuring, I felt the weight of the night finally begin to