The forest felt wrong. Not just dangerous, but wrong. The air itself seemed heavy, pressing against Celeste’s skin like damp cloth, carrying a coppery tang that had nothing to do with the blood still drying on her armor. Her wolf, Luna, paced inside her mind, hackles up. Every step deeper into the treeline felt like walking into the mouth of something alive.

Beside her, Hunter moved with silent precision, his blade angled low, nostrils flaring as he tested the air. Rogue’s voice rumbled ...