The forest swallowed me whole, its darkness thick and heavy, the air sharp with pine and wet dirt. My bare feet sank into the mud, cold and slick, each step a fight, my breath puffing white in the faint moonlight. The bag slapped against my hip, light but loaded with my choice—to run, to shield the pack, to escape the mess I’d made. But Lucien’s touch lingered, his kiss a brand on my lips, his heat tugging me back, damn him. I pushed forward, green eyes sharp, scanning the trees, their branches jagged and black, clawing at the sky like broken fingers.
A twig cracked behind me, loud and sudden. My heart lurched, chest squeezing, green eyes wide as I spun, breath locked tight. Nothing—just the wind, leaves whispering, the forest alive and watching. But I felt it—someone close, stalking me, their presence heavy. I bolted, feet sliding, mud grabbing at me, pulse pounding, fear and anger churning hot in my stomach. He was coming. I knew it, his growl echoing in my head, his voice—you’re mi
