Petal's Pov

The night tasted like metal and fear.

Smoke curled through the trees, drifting down into the valley like a warning from the gods themselves. My wolf paced inside me, restless, growling at shadows I couldn't see. Everything felt too still. Too quiet. As if the land was holding its breath.

Aslaan stood a few steps ahead of me, broad shoulders tense, eyes glowing a hard silver as he scanned the darkness. His aura was a storm– controlled, but ready to break at the slightest spark. ...