Chapter 101

Zeena's POV

I tried distracting myself, I really did, but it didn't work.

I bathed, changed into a fresh dress and even attempted reading one of the ledgers Andre had left behind but I just couldn't focus.

The restlessness from that morning hadn't faded, if anything it had even grown worse especially with Andre's activities tonight. Perhaps that's what I've been paranoid about or maybe I was borrowing Celeste’s emotions? Either way, I couldn't sit still.

"This is ridiculous," I muttered.

Maybe I was feeding my own paranoia or maybe nothing would happen tonight.

Maybe Andre and the others would return before midnight complaining that whoever had been lurking around the borders hadn't shown up again. I'd happily listen to that complaint.

I pushed myself to my feet.

A run. I think that's all I needed. For just ten minutes, it should be enough to clear my head before spending the rest of the evening with Ryder.

I headed toward the forest bordering the training grounds when another scent drifted toward me.

Lucius.

He stepped out from between two buildings, slowing when he noticed where I was headed.

"Going somewhere?"

"For a run."

His gaze flicked toward the darkening trees."Tonight?"

I nodded. "I need to get out of my head."

He studied me for a moment. “I'd advise against it."

“I won't go far, just for ten minutes."

He hesitated before nodding."If you insist…I'll be joining the warriors stationed around the eastern watch. Stay close to patrol routes, Luna."

I saw what he did there, so I just nodded back and whether he believed me or not, he turned and walked away, though not before glancing back once.

I laughed quietly. "I'll survive ten minutes."

I watched him disappear before resting both hands on my hips, looking up at the dark sky.

“Come on, Cel.”

She stirred immediately, warmth spreading through me as the shift came. A heartbeat later my paws touched the forest floor.

I stretched before breaking into an easy jog.

The forest welcomed me immediately. Cool air rushing through my fur, carrying dozens of scents I'd slowly begun recognising over the past week.

For the first time all day, my thoughts finally began slowing down.

Movement flickered inside the bushes ahead, stopping me instantly in my steps and thoughts.

I waited at alert as another wolf stepped into the moonlight.

Kade.

I flattened my ears in relief. But what was he doing here?

He trotted closer…

I was about to go behind the tree next to me to shift and ask him what he was doing here when suddenly he darted forward and nipped playfully at my hind leg before sprinting away.

I stared after him.

‘...Really?’

His tail disappeared between the trees as he sped ahead.

Another challenge. Celeste gave something that resembled a wolf snort.

Oh…I see…

I shot after him, weaving between the trees with a huff that would've been a laugh if I were still human.

He slipped through the forest with practiced ease, ducking beneath low branches and cutting sharply around tree trunks as though he knew every inch of these woods. Every now and then he'd slow just enough for me to think I was about to catch him, only to spring forward again at the last second.

Oh, you think you're funny.

Fine. Challenge accepted.

I lowered my head and pushed harder.

The distance between us began shrinking, not by much, but enough for me to notice.

A few weeks ago I would've lost him almost immediately. Now I could actually keep up, even if my lungs were starting to protest.

‘See?’ Celeste sounded quietly pleased.

‘Don't start acting smug now.’

She gave a soft chuff that felt suspiciously like amusement.

The trees became thicker the farther we ran. Moonlight filtered through the branches in broken patches, flashing across the forest floor beneath my paws. Twigs snapped behind me while leaves brushed against my sides as I squeezed through narrower spaces.

Kade’s wolf finally glanced back and for one glorious second I thought I'd cornered him.

Instead, he darted left around a cluster of rocks.

‘Oh, come on…’

I followed anyway.

By the time I rounded the rocks, he'd vanished.

I slowed to a trot.

Then to a walk.

My sides rose and fell as I caught my breath.

I turned in a slow circle.

Where...?

His scent still lingered, but it crossed over so many others that I couldn't tell which direction he'd gone. Frustration prickled beneath my skin.

‘This isn't funny.’

I took a few more cautious steps before finally lifting my head. The trees here looked... unfamiliar.

A sinking feeling settled in my stomach. Had we really come this far?

I climbed onto a low rock, trying to get my bearings.

The familiar trees surrounding Stormfang weren't visible anymore.

I was far closer to the border than I'd intended to be. Too close.

‘We should head back,’ Celeste murmured.

‘I was already thinking that.’

I turned around, searching for the path we'd taken.

Everything looked the same. Towering trees, dense undergrowth, long shadows stretching across the ground.

For the first time since I'd entered the forest, unease crept beneath my skin and Kade was still not in sight. I hope this was just a prank, because he'd get it from me by the time I return.

A cold breeze stirred the leaves overhead.

Then...

Something moved.

Behind me.

I spun around so quickly my claws dug into the earth.

There was nothing, just bushes swaying gently.

I stared for several seconds before forcing myself to breathe.

You're imagining things Zeena.

You let him drag you farther than usual, that's all.

I took one step, but stopped when I heard another rustle behind me, this time the movement sounded calculated.

The fur along my spine lifted as my heart thudded against my ribs. I could smell whoever that was and that was definitely not Kade.

Every instinct screamed at me to run, so I shifted my weight, preparing to sprint back toward the pack.

I turned, ready to head back when Celeste suddenly stirred again, but this time not in alert.

I froze as a familiar presence brushed against hers.

Max.

My heart skipped. ‘What is it?’

She didn't answer, but the warmth that rushed through me did.

Wait! He's awake! My eyes widened as I immediately turned toward the direction of the pack.

After all these days, Ryder was finally awake!

I barely took a step as I regained from the shock before a shadow detached itself from the darkness, looming over me.

Too tall to be a wolf.

I had totally forgotten about where I was, and just as I was about turning to see who or what it was—

Pain exploded across the back of my head.

The world lurched violently, trees tilting sideways.

My legs buckled beneath me as I crashed down. No…, not now… please. I was supposed to be with Ryder.

The last thing I saw before darkness swallowed everything was a pair of boots stepping into my fading vision.

Ryder…