Lila follows Asher to a cabin, her sneakers crunching on the gravel path, her heart still racing from the wolf attack. Her backpack feels heavy, the pendant inside making her nervous after it glowed in the clearing. The Ironclaw wolf’s red band flashes in her mind, and she grips her knife tighter. Zane walks beside her, his shoulder close, making her feel a tug in her chest. Rowan trails behind, his boots quiet, his eyes fixed on the trees.

They reach a big cabin with a wooden porch, its windows lit with a soft glow. Asher pushes the door open, motioning for Lila to go inside. Zane follows, his hand brushing her arm, sending a jolt through her. Rowan stays outside, leaning against a post, watching her like always. Lila steps in, her legs shaky, not sure what to expect.

Asher points to a chair, and Lila sits, her backpack on her lap. “Why’s Ethan after you?” he asks, sitting across from her, his eyes sharp. Lila swallows, saying, “He’s my ex—he’s mean and won’t let me go.” Zane leans against the wall, listening, while Rowan stays by the door, arms crossed. That tug in her chest pulls harder, like it’s tied to all three of them.

Zane smiles, trying to make her relax. “You’re safe here,” he says, his voice soft. Lila nods, but her hands shake, thinking of Ethan’s shouts in the forest. Rowan shifts, his boots creaking on the floor, making her glance at him. She wonders why he’s so quiet, like he’s hiding something. The pendant in her bag feels like it’s burning a hole through it.

A woman bursts through the door, her hair tied back, glaring at Lila. “She’s trouble,” the woman says, pointing at her. Asher snaps, “Talia, enough!” but she doesn’t back down. Lila shrinks in her chair, feeling like everyone hates her already. Zane steps closer, saying, “Give her a chance,” but Talia storms out.

Mira, the older woman, enters, holding a book with strange symbols. “Your mark’s from a pack legend,” she says, looking at Lila’s shoulder. Lila pulls her jacket tighter, asking, “What legend?” Mira shakes her head, saying, “Not now.” Asher nods, telling Lila she’s staying in this cabin for safety. Lila agrees, too tired to argue, her mind spinning.

Lila sets her backpack on the floor, sitting on a cot in the corner. Zane kneels beside her, helping her unpack a water bottle. His hand brushes hers, and that jolt hits again, making her pull back. “You okay?” he asks, his grin fading. Lila nods, but her thoughts are on the pendant and Ethan.

Asher checks the windows again, his movements quick. “We’re watching the borders,” he says, looking at Lila. She feels like a prisoner, not sure if she’s safe or trapped. Rowan steps inside, his eyes scanning the room, landing on her. Lila feels that tug again, stronger when they’re all near.

Outside, Talia’s voice rises, arguing with someone. “She’ll bring hunters here!” she yells, loud enough for Lila to hear. Lila’s stomach twists, knowing Ethan’s out there, maybe closer than before. Zane glances at her, his face softening, like he wants to help. Rowan stays silent, but his gaze makes her uneasy.

Lila lies on the cot, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing. The pendant’s glow sticks in her head, and she wonders why it’s doing that. She doesn’t trust these guys completely, but something about them feels right. Asher sits by the fire, sharpening a knife, his eyes flicking to her. Zane carves a stick nearby, humming softly.

Lila reaches into her backpack, pulling out her mom’s photo. The pendant slips out, glowing brighter now, and she hides it under the blanket. Her heart races, afraid someone will see it. She thinks about Ethan, wondering how he found her so fast. The tug in her chest feels like it’s trying to tell her something.

Asher stands, his chair scraping the floor. “Get some rest,” he says, his voice low. Lila nods, but sleep feels impossible with Ethan out there. Zane sets his carving down, looking at her like he wants to say more. Rowan steps outside, his shadow moving across the porch.

Mira comes back, her book still in hand. “That mark’s old, tied to our pack,” she says, sitting near Lila. Lila asks, “What does it mean?” but Mira only says, “It’s not safe to talk yet.” Lila feels frustrated, like everyone’s hiding things from her. The pendant in her bag feels heavier, like it’s pulling her into trouble.

Zane moves closer, sitting on the cot’s edge. “You don’t need to worry,” he says, his hand brushing her knee. Lila pulls away, her face warm, not sure why his touch makes her feel like that. Asher glances over, his eyes narrowing at Zane. Lila feels caught between them, her heart pounding.

Rowan steps back inside, his face tense. “Something’s moving out there,” he says, his voice quiet. Asher grabs a knife, heading for the door. Lila’s heart jumps, thinking of Ethan and that Ironclaw wolf. Zane stands, ready to follow, his hand near his pocket.

Lila checks her backpack again, her fingers brushing the pendant. It’s warm now, pulsing with light, and she shoves it deeper. She feels like it’s connected to Ethan, maybe even these guys. Asher opens the door, looking into the dark. Lila stands, her knife in hand, ready for whatever’s coming.

A scout bursts into the cabin, out of breath. “Ironclaw wolves are at the border!” he shouts, his eyes wide. Asher grabs his jacket, barking orders, and Zane pulls Lila to her feet. Lila’s heart races, thinking of Ethan and that red-banded wolf. She finds a note in her bag, in Ethan’s handwriting, saying, “I’m coming for you.” A howl splits the night, and Asher yells, “They’re attacking now!”