Aria’s POV
My heart pounded violently against my ribs as I carefully climbed down from the towering tree, my fingers scraping against the rough bark. My breath came in uneven waves, my senses stretched to their limit.
Moments ago, I had seen them.
Rogue guards.
They had moved through the forest with purpose, their noses lifted, their instincts sharp. They were hunting. Hunting me.
I stayed hidden, silent, unmoving. Even my wolf held her breath within me.
But now they were gone.
Or so it seemed.
The moment my feet touched the ground, a voice rose sharply inside me.
“Run,” Karina growled.
Her tone was urgent.
“Even if they’ve left, this place is not safe. They will return.”
“I know,” I whispered.
And then I ran.
Branches clawed at my skin as I pushed forward, my
