Pack's territory. The night was thick with an unnatural stillness, and the air felt cha

her in a language only they understood. But for all the quiet, she could sense the unease in the air, the creeping tension that had settled over

es were

eral, their instincts taking over as if something were driving them to madness. The shadows at the edges of the woods seemed darker, as though

one that had bound her to him it was more than just an old tale, more than just an ancient law.

shings, the delicate curtains billowing in the soft night breeze it all seemed so out of place. The Alpha'

t skipped in her chest, but she quickly composed herself. She had no reason

alled, her voice

led the entrance, casting a long shadow across the room. His eyes were dark, his expression unreadable,

ce low, almost a growl. "The wolves are restles

neutral. "I've felt it too," she

for a brief moment, she was reminded of just how dangerous he truly was. The curse that bound them was more than just a contract it wa

she felt when Dorian was close. It was magnetic, undeniable. And yet, she knew that this attraction this connection

her with a mixture of frustration and something else something dar

ow, her gaze lifting to m

nst something deep inside him. "You," he said finally, his voice rough. "There's something about you. Every tim

g him admit it out loud felt like a challenge. The raw emotion in his voice made her pulse quicken, and for a moment, she w

ost in whatever this was between them. Not when she had a plan. Not when she had to uncover the

, breaking the tension. "We'll need all t

asn't quite ready to leave. His gaze raked over her, as if memorizing every inch

ed back. "Rest well," he said, his voice low and st

eft, closing the door behi

presence. But as soon as the door closed, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. The air was thick, to

this cursed place as possible. But her feet remained planted to the gro

m was quiet again, save for the soft rustle of the curtains in the breez

ming. Something

ut in her mind. Dorian's words echoed in her ears, his admission of the curse, the strange p

e restlessness

e occasional creak of wood or the whisper of wind through the trees. But just as she was about to lie back

tst

eaming at her to get out of bed. She moved quickly, slipping into the shadow

ng in the doorway outlined by the pale moonlight. Bu

, unnatural. And before Seraphina could react, they lun

s quick faster than he expected and she twisted, flinging her power at him. A f

at. Instead, he surged forward again, a snarl

attack. It was an

to her chamber burst open, and Dorian stormed in, his eyes blazing with fury. He didn't even hesita

s as he stepped in front of Seraphina, his body a shiel

ere was fear in his eyes now. H

hest. She had barely survived that attack. And now,

ne thing she was sure of. The curse was waking and wit