*Saoirse*

Deadwood Forest lived up to its name, a silent expanse of gnarled trees and shadows that seemed to swallow the light. My heart hammered in my chest as I trudged through the underbrush, my gaze flicking from one dark corner to another. The thought of Rhys being lost and possibly hurt somewhere in this forsaken place fueled my steps with urgency.

"Keep your eyes sharp," I murmured to Axureon, who moved like a ghost beside me, his keen eyes scanning the ...