**ARIA'S POV** The torchlight blinded me and I froze, terror locking every muscle in my body. For one horrible heartbeat I was certain it was Caelan, that he'd found me already, that my escape had failed before it truly began. But when the figure stepped closer and the light shifted across his face, I realized something was wrong. This wolf wasn't angry or vengeful or any of the things I'd expected. He looked calm, his expression unreadable as he studied me with the detached interest of someone appraising livestock. “Come with me," he said, his voice low and steady. "I—" My voice came out as barely a whisper. "I'm leaving. You can't make me stay here." He tilted his head slightly, watching me, "Follow me." "No," I said, shaking my head as I backed away until cold stone pressed against my spine. "No…I won't–You cant–" "You don't have a choice," he said simply, and something about the flatness in his tone made my blood turn to ice. "Who are you?" I demanded, clenchi
Last Updated : 2025-12-15 Read more