The forest was quiet now. The shadows that had lingered just beyond the clearing were gone, or at least, I couldn’t sense them anymore. For the first time since leaving Moonflare, I allowed myself a moment to breathe.
Elias, the former alpha of Redwater Falls, stood a few feet away, relaxed but alert. Dane lingered closer to the wolf, studying it as carefully as I had the first time I saw it. The massive creature sat just beyond the fire-scarred clearing, its dark fur glinting in the moonlight. It didn’t move or growl. It simply observed, patient and aware.
I tightened my grip on my backpack strap. My heart was still hammering from the run from Moonflare, but urgency had replaced fear. I had questions. And I was going to get answers.
“Elias.” My voice was steady, though excitement tremb
