The tunnel smelled like earth and old death. I crawled through darkness so complete I had to rely on my wolf's senses, feeling my way along crumbling stone. Water dripped somewhere ahead. The tracking charm on my wrist pulsed with faint warmth, keeping time with my heartbeat.

Through the bond, Darius moved parallel to me in the western tunnel. I felt his wolf prowling just beneath his skin, alert for any threat.

"Almost there," he sent. His voice in my head was steadier than I expected. ...