The eyes didn’t blink. Aria’s chest seized, breath locked in her throat. The red glow floated between the trees, steady, patient… waiting. A twig snapped behind her. She spun, pulse hammering, but saw only shadows. The night was too still, the silence too heavy. Run. Her legs obeyed before her mind caught up. She darted between the trees, heart pounding, bare feet tearing on roots and stone. The forest swallowed her in darkness, branches whipping her face as she forced herself deeper. A growl followed. Low. Hungry. Aria’s throat burned, but she didn’t scream. She knew instinctively that sound would give her away. She shoved herself forward until her lungs ached, until her legs trembled— —and then a shape lunged from the dark. She stumbled back with a gasp. A wolf, massive, black-furred, eyes burning like coals. Her hand found a fallen branch, splintered and jagged, and she swung with all her strength. The wood cracked against its muzzle. The wolf yelped, staggering—then sna
Last Updated : 2025-09-19 Read more